Johnson, staff return to Salt Lake
Johnson, 41, enters his third season as manager of the Bees, after leading the team to its 16th winning season in 2012. Prior to Salt Lake, he served a two-year managerial stint with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga (2009-10) and one season as manager of Single-A Cedar Rapids (2008), both in the Angels organization. He has compiled a 346-360 (.490) record in five seasons as a manager and has reached the playoffs three times. The former infielder enjoyed a 12-year professional playing career including organizational stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1992-1998, 2001), Arizona Diamondbacks (1999) and Anaheim Angels (2000, 2002-2003). Johnson is a native of Hanford, Calif. and currently resides in Salt Lake City with his wife Malena and their two children.
A member of the Angels organization for seven seasons, Matos returns for his second season as hitting coach for the Bees in 2013. He most recently spent four seasons as the hitting coach at Double-A Arkansas, one season at Rancho Cucamonga and one season at Orem. The 43-year-old Matos enjoyed a 16-year professional playing career as a second baseman. He was signed as a free agent by the Oakland Athletics in 1987 and spent 1989-94 in the A's organization. He also played for affiliates of Pittsburgh, New York (Yankees), Montreal, Baltimore and Seattle from 1995 through 2000. From 2001-04, he played in the Mexican League and for four independent league teams until retiring following the 2004 season. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Matos resides in Huntsville, Ala. in the offseason with his wife, Susan.
Erik Bennett, entering his 18th season with the Angels organization, returns to the Bees for a sixth season as pitching coach. The 43-year-old former major league pitcher began his coaching career as the pitching coach for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga in 1997. He served as pitching coach for Cedar Rapids and Arkansas prior to joining the Bees. Bennett played 10 seasons of professional baseball, including time with the California Angels, Minnesota Twins and Salt Lake Buzz. A native of Yreka, Calif., Bennett, his wife Teresa and daughter Teagan call northern California home.
Columbus, Ohio native Brian Reinker also returns for his sixth season as a trainer with the Bees and his 11th in the Angels organization. Josh Fields, a Virginia native, returns to Salt Lake and the Angels organization for his fourth season as strength and conditioning coach.
2013 Bees season tickets are on sale now with prices starting at just $576 per person. Purchase today by calling (801) 325-BASE or by visiting slbees.com.