Salem announces 2013 coaching staff
Nelson Paulino will act as the team's 2013 hitting coach and represents the sole change in the field staff. McMillon and Herrera return to Salem for a second season as Salem Red Sox manager and athletic trainer, respectively, while Kevin Walker will return be the pitching coach for his third consecutive season.
Billy McMillon, a recent inductee to the Clemson University Hall of Fame, will be Salem's 2013 manager after serving in the same capacity for the club in 2012, and for Greenville from 2010-11. He led the Drive to the South Atlantic League Championship Series in his 2010 managerial debut. A Clemson University alum, McMillon played in the Major Leagues from 1996-2004 with the Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Oakland Athletics and Detroit Tigers.
Nelson Paulino enters his first year in Salem as the team's hitting coach. 2013 will be Paulino's 16th consecutive year in the Boston organization, having served as hitting coach for the Dominican Summer League club from 2008-2011 and from 2001-2002, the DSL club's bench coach in 2007 and manager from 2003-2006. Paulino, a switch hitter, played four years in the Braves farm system from 1991-1994.
Kevin Walker, a sixth round selection in 1995 by the San Diego Padres, rejoins Salem for his third year and enters his fifth consecutive year as a Minor League pitching coach for the Boston organization (Greenville, 2010 and Lowell, 2009). In 2009, Walker oversaw a Lowell Spinners pitching staff that posted a franchise-record 2.96 ERA.
David Herrera will return to Salem as athletic trainer for the 2013 season. Herrera spent his first season with the club in 2012 after serving as the Greenville Drive's athletic trainer from 2010-11. He also held that position for Lowell (2009) and the GCL Red Sox (2008).
The Salem Red Sox will open the season in Frederick, Md., against the Keys on Friday, April 5 before returning a week later for their home opener on Fri, April 12 at 7:05 p.m.