Dodgers Name New Quakes' Manager
Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Fresh off their first California League Championship since 1994, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes will enter the 2016 season with a new manager at the helm.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that Drew Saylor has joined their organization and will manage the Quakes for the 2016 campaign.
Saylor, 31, joins the Dodger family after four years in the Colorado Rockies' system, including last year as the Hitting Coach of the Modesto Nuts, the Rockies' Cal League affiliate.
"It's a tremendous honor to join the Dodger family," said Saylor. They have such a rich tradition and history that goes back to Jackie Robinson, Duke Snyder and Branch Rickey. After interacting with Gabe Kapler and their staff, their energy truly gets me excited for the upcoming season."
Saylor's Modesto club visited Rancho back in May of 2015, giving Saylor his first look at LoanMart Field and the Quakes' operation.
"After visiting Rancho Cucamonga last season, my family and I are so excited to be a part of the community this next season. They have what I believe is the nicest ballpark in the league and after winning the Cal league title, the Field of the Year award and the Organization of the Year award, it's an honor to be associated with the Quakes. It's obviously a first-class operation and I'm looking forward to being part of the machine."
Prior to his time in Modesto, he piloted the Short-Season Tri-City Dust Devils, Colorado's Northwest League affiliate from 2013 through 2014.
Saylor began his coaching career in the college ranks, serving as an assistant coach at Cleveland State University in 2009 and the University of Akron in 2011.
The Medina, Ohio native was originally selected by the Marlins in the 13th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft out of Kent State University. He also played collegiately at the University of Cincinnati. His professional playing career spanned five seasons, playing in the minor leagues for both the Florida Marlins and Houston Astros, before spending three years in the Independent Frontier League.
Saylor, who will be the fifth Manager in the last five years for the Quakes, replaces Bill Haselman, who was promoted to manage the Dodgers' Triple-A team in Oklahoma City.
"The Quakes are excited to welcome Drew Saylor and his family to Rancho Cucamonga," said Quakes Director of Public Relations Mike Lindskog. "Drew's energy is infectious and he'll be a great fit for our team in 2016. The Quakes would also like to congratulate Bill Haselman as he takes the next step in his managerial journey. His place in Rancho Cucamonga's baseball history will be fondly remembered as we thank him for a great year!"
The Quakes will open defense of their Cal League Title on Thursday, April 7th, 2016, as they host the Lake Elsinore Storm. Ticket packages are currently available online at rcquakes.com or by calling (909) 481-5000. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field very soon…GO Quakes!