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Tides Announce 2011 Coaching Staff

January 28, 2011
The Norfolk Tides announced late Friday that Gary Allenson will return as the Tides' manager in 2011. Allenson is joined by pitching coach Mike Griffin and hitting coach Brad Komminsk.

Allenson previously served as the Tides manager from 2007-2010. He left the team on June 4, 2010 to assume the role as the Baltimore Orioles' third base coach. The Tides were 24-31 at the time of Allenson's departure last season and 228-254 (.427 winning percentage) during his four years as manager. His 228 career wins are the second-most in franchise history and just 54 wins shy of Frank Verdi, who went 282-277 from 1977-80. In addition, Allenson joins Bobby Valentine as the only manager in club history to serve multiple stints with the club. Valentine managed the Tides in 1994 and 1996.

Mike Griffin, who pitched for the 1987 Orioles, will serve as pitching coach for the 2nd straight season in Norfolk. It will be his 4th season in the Orioles farm system. Griffin was named the winner of the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award for the second consecutive season in 2010.

Newcomer, Brad Komminsk, rounds out the Tides' coaching staff. The new hitting coach spent the past four seasons managing the Double-A Bowie Baysox.

In addition, Mark Shires, will return for his 5th year as the Tides' athletic trainer. It will mark Shires' 12th year in the Orioles farm system.