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MLB

Dusty Wathan Named Manager of the Year

By Bill Rosario
September 7, 2016

Portland, ME - The Eastern League of Professional Baseball is pleased to announce that Reading Fightin Phils manager Dusty Wathan has been selected as the 2016 Eastern League Manager of the Year. Wathan, who was also the Eastern League Manager of the Year for the 2015 season, led the Reading Fightins to a league-best record of 89-52. Reading finished 2.5 games ahead of the Trenton Thunder in the Eastern Division standings to clinch their second consecutive Eastern Division title. Dusty is joined on his coaching staff in Reading this season by hitting coach Frank Cacciatore, pitching coach Steve Schrenk, athletic trainer Aaron Scott and strength and conditioning coach Kenny Matanane.

The 2016 season is Wathan's fifth as the manager in Reading, making him the only manager in the 50 year history of the Reading franchise to lead the team in five consecutive seasons. In those five seasons in Reading Wathan has put together a record of 373-335, leading the team to postseason berths in 2012, 2015 and 2016. With a 6-5 win over the Hartford Yard Goats on July 22nd, Dusty earned his 351st win in Reading, making him the all-time winningest manager in franchise history.

Dusty began his managerial career in 2008 with the Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League. He went on to lead the Lakewood Blue Claws to the South Atlantic League Championship in 2009 and was the skipper of the Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League from 2010-11. In his nine seasons as a manager Wathan has compiled a career record of 631-565 (.528).

Prior to his managerial career Dusty had a 14 year playing career, reaching the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Royals in 2002. He played six different organizations during his career, including appearing in one game for Reading during the 2007 season.

Trenton manager Bobby Mitchell finished second in the voting for the Manager of the Year Award and Altoona's Joey Cora finished in third place in the voting. This award was voted on by Eastern League managers and coaches and members of the media.