Reds announce Mustangs field staff
Joining Kelly in Billings are Tony Fossas and Ray Martinez. Fossas takes over as pitching coach after the untimely death of former pitching coach Bob Forsch earlier this month. Martinez arrives in Billings for his first season as the Mustangs hitting coach.
"We're pleased to learn that Pat is returning as field manager in 2012, and look forward to working with him, Tony and Ray," said Mustangs General Manager Gary Roller. "Pat's experience and proven leadership are invaluable assets both on and off the field, particularly as they relate to teaching and developing the younger players. He has enjoyed success at every level of professional baseball, including here in Billings in 2011, and under his direction we believe that 2012 will be another successful season for the Mustangs."
Kelly managed the Mustangs to a 44-32 record in 2011. Prior to that, he served as the field manager for the Lynchburg Hillcats and Rookie GCL Reds as well as director of Florida on-field operations in 2007, 2008 and 2009. In addition to his managerial duties Kelly also serves as the Reds minor league catching coordinator.
"Pat Kelly is returning to Billings after a very successful campaign in 2011," said Jeff Graupe, the Reds Player Development administrator. "He guided the Mustangs to the second-best overall record in the Pioneer League and we are very excited to have him back in 2012. Ray Martinez is a very bright, energetic young hitting coach who served as a coach in the Arizona League in 2011. He brings tremendous experience from his playing days and will work with the hitters and infielders. Tony Fossas will be the Mustangs pitching coach in 2012. He is an extremely diligent teacher and works very well with young pitchers."
Kelly, 56, has spent 20 seasons managing in the minor leagues for 14 teams, including Richmond (2003-05), Syracuse (1999-2000), Ottawa (1997-98), Harrisburg (1995-96), Chattanooga (1993-94), Indianapolis (1991-92), Rockford (1991), Las Vegas (1990), Wichita (1988-89), Reno (1987), Charleston (1986), Glens Falls (1985) and GCL White Sox (1984). Kelly's playing career included stops in the Angels, Blue Jays, Braves and White Sox systems. He reached the big leagues in 1980 with Toronto.
Fossas, 54, began his career with the Reds in 2009 and spent the last three seasons as the pitching coach for the Dayton Dragons. Prior to that, he spent five years as the pitching coach for Florida Atlantic University. He enjoyed a 21-year playing career that included 10 seasons at the big league level with the Rangers, Brewers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Mariners, Cubs and Yankees.
Martinez, 43, made his professional coaching debut in 2011 with the Rookie Arizona Reds. Martinez came up in the California Angels organization, played in parts of 18 professional seasons with the Marlins, Indians, Expos, Mets, Pirates and Padres. He is a veteran of more than 1,500 minor league games.