Wathan Named New R-Phils Manager

(Reading, PA) – Dusty Wathan, who managed the Clearwater Threshers for the past two seasons, has been named as the new manager of the Reading Phillies, as announced earlier today by Joe Jordan, Philadelphia Phillies Director, Player Development. Joining Wathan on Reading’s staff will be returnees Frank Cacciatore (hitting coach), and Bob Milacki (pitching coach).

Wathan, 38, replaces 2011 R-Phils manager Mark Parent, who became the Chicago White Sox bench coach in October. Wathan will be the R-Phils third manager in the last three seasons. All three managers (Steve Roadcap, Mark Parent, and Wathan) are former catchers.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Wathan led Clearwater to a 140-135 mark in two seasons at the helm (2010-11), and has compiled a 258-230 mark over four seasons as a Minor League manager. In 2009, the former backstop guided Lakewood (A) to the South Atlantic League championship.

As a player, Wathan spent 14 seasons in the Minors as a catcher and appeared in one game with the R-Phils over that span. On April 21, 2007, Wathan started behind the plate for Reading and went 2-5 with a run scored. He was later promoted to Triple-A Ottawa, where he finished his career.

Wathan has appeared in over 1,000 Minor League games (1,019) and has compiled a .273 batting average with 58 home runs and 417 RBIs during that time.

In 2002, he made his Major League debut, and in three games with the Kansas City Royals, he went 3-5 with an RBI. He is the son of former Kansas City Royals player and manager John Wathan.

Frank Cacciatore returns for his fifth-straight season as the club’s hitting coach. Cacciatore joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 2008.

Bob Milacki, a former Major League pitcher, returns to Reading for his third-straight season. Milacki joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 2009, and spent that season as the pitching coach for Lakewood (A).

National Baseball and Reading Baseball Hall-of-Famer Ryne Sandberg returns to his role as the manager of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Former Reading Phillies infielder Mickey Morandini will manage Single-A Lakewood in 2012.

Full list of the entire Phillies 2012 Player Development Staff:

Lehigh Valley (AAA)
Ryne Sandberg (manager)
Sal Rende (coach)
Rod Nichols (pitching coach)

Reading (AA)
Dusty Wathan (manager)
Frank Cacciatore (coach)
Bob Milacki (pitching coach)

Clearwater (A)
Chris Truby (manager)
John Mizerock (coach)
Dave Lundquist (pitching coach)

Lakewood (A)
Mickey Morandini (manager)
Greg Legg (coach)
Les Lancaster (pitching coach)

Williamsport (A)
Andy Tracy (manager)
TBA (coach)
Aaron Fultz (pitching coach)

Gulf Coast Phillies (R)
Roly deArmas (manager)
Kevin Jordan (coach)
Steve Schrenk (pitching coach)