Fightin Phils Field Staff Announced for 2013

(Reading, Pa.)---The Philadelphia Phillies and Joe Jordan, director, player development, have announced that Dusty Wathan, who led the Fightin Phils to a 76-66 record in 2012, will return to Reading in 2013 as the team's manager. Joining Wathan in 2013 will be hitting coach Frank Cacciatore, returning for his sixth season, and new pitching coach Dave Lundquist, who was promoted from Advanced-A Clearwater.

"I couldn't be more excited to return to the Fightin Phils in 2013," said Wathan. "We had a great season in 2012 and the guys and I had a lot of fun. With the name change and rebranding, it will be very exciting time in Reading. My family had fun last season and we're looking forward to another great summer in Baseballtown."

Wathan, 39, is coming off a successful season in Reading where the team earned an Eastern League Eastern Division playoff berth. Throughout the season, he managed five players to the majors including Darin Ruf and Tyler Cloyd and 12 of the team's Top 30 Prospects according to Baseball America. At the conclusion of the season, Wathan managed the Peoria Javelinas where his roster included 2012 Fightin Phils Cody Asche, Tommy Joseph, and Kyle Simon. Behind his managing, the Javelinas went an AFL-best 19-13 and won the AFL championship.

Prior to 2012, Wathan led the Clearwater Threshers to a 140-135 record over two seasons (2010-11). Wathan began his managerial career in 2008 with the Williamsport Crosscutters (SS). From there, he went on to manage the Lakewood BlueClaws (A) to a South Atlantic League title in 2009. Over his five year career, Wathan owns a career record of 334-296. 

As a player, Wathan had a 14-year career in the farm systems of the Seattle Mariners, Florida Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, and Philadelphia Phillies. He made his major league debut in 2002 with the Royals, going 3-for-5 with an RBI in three games. 

Cacciatore, 59, returns for his sixth season as Reading's hitting coach in 2013. Under his tutelage in 2012, Reading batters led the Eastern League in hitting with a .274 team average, nine points better than the second place team. Before coming to the Philadelphia Minor League system in 2008, Cacciatore managed the St. Lucie Mets (A+) in 2007 and the Hagerstown Suns (A) in 2006. His Minor League coaching career has landed him in the farm systems of Montreal/Washington, Florida, San Francisco, and Houston.

Lundquist, 39, will entering his sixth season with the Phillies and first as pitching coach with the Fightin Phils. The Beverly, Massachusetts native spent the past four seasons as pitching coach with Clearwater where he spent two seasons with Wathan in 2010-11. He also coached for Lakewood in 2008. Lundquist started his coaching career in the Pittsburgh system where he coached Williamsport (SS) in 2005 and Hickory (A) in 2006-07. As a player, he appeared in 37 major league games as a relief pitcher with the White Sox in 1999 and the San Diego Padres in 2001-02. 

The Reading Fightin Phils and Philadelphia Phillies continue their long-standing affiliation when the team opens up its home season on April 12th against the Erie SeaWolves at FirstEnergy Stadium. Season ticket and mini-plans for the 2013 season can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person by visiting the Fightins Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.