Timber Rattlers announce 2009 field staff

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers along with the Milwaukee Brewers are proud to announce the coaching staff for the upcoming 2009 season.  The Rattlers will be led by field manager Jeff Isom, pitching coach Chris Hook, hitting coach Matt Erickson, athletic trainer Aaron Hoback and strength & conditioning specialist Jake Marx.

Field manager Jeff Isom enters his third season with the Milwaukee Brewers and was the manager of the class A West Virginia Power for the '07 & '08 seasons.  Before joining the Brewers, Isom spent time managing in the independent leagues with the Traverse City Beach Bums ('06), Joliet Jackhammers ('04-'05), Washington Wild Things ('02-'03) and the Canton Crocodiles ('00-'01).  Prior to managing, Isom spent three years in the minors as a pitcher with the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations.  He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Purdue University and was selected by the Pirates in the 13th round of the 1993 draft.  

Pitching coach Chris Hook enters his second season in the Brewers organization.  In '08, Hook was the pitching coach for the double A Huntsville Stars.  Prior to joining the Brewers organization, Hook was the pitching coach for the Florence Freedom of the independent Frontier League from '03-'07 as well as for Northern Kentucky University from '00-'02.  Before coaching, Hook pitched 11 seasons, including two in the majors with San Francisco from '95-'96.  He owns a 5-2 mark in 55 Major League games.  Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by Cincinnati in '89, Hook went 57-47 with a 4.24 ERA in 247 career appearances in the minor leagues.

Matt Erickson, a native of Appleton, enters his first coaching position with the Milwaukee Brewers as the hitting coach for the Timber Rattlers.  As an infielder, Erickson played 11 professional seasons (1997-2007) and made his Major League debut with the Brewers in 2004.  

Aaron Hoback will be the Rattlers athletic trainer in '09.  Hoback enters his third season in the Brewers organization after two seasons with the Helena Brewers.  Hoback graduated from Western Illinois University in '05 with a degree in physical education.  He has served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the Wichita State baseball team, as well as an intern athletic trainer with the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams.

Hoback will be joined by strength & conditioning specialist and Menasha native, Jake Marx.  Marx graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and enters his fourth season with the Brewers. Marx is a '01 graduate of Menasha High School.