Frank Kremblas named Indianapolis Manager
"It's going to be a fun year," says the new Tribe manager Frank Kremblas. "I am excited to be able to help the Pirates move the organization in a new direction."
For the second time in his career Kremblas succeeds Trent Jewett as manager of a Triple-A club. In 2005, he took over for Jewett in Nashville and led the Sounds to a division title and their first ever championship as a Triple-A franchise.
2005 also began a stretch of three straight division championships for Nashville under Kremblas' leadership, peaking with a Minor League best 89 victories in 2007.
"We are excited to add Frank Kremblas to our organization," Pirate's Director of Player Development Kyle Stark says. "He has extensive player development experience, including at the Triple-A level where you're finishing players off for that challenging jump to the Major League level. He has had a direct impact on much of the young talent that Milwaukee has graduated to the Major League level in recent years, and we look forward to seeing him have a similar impact in our organization. With this hire, we have added another talented baseball man, a quality person, and someone who brings a great deal of enthusiasm, passion, knowledge, and ability to teaching our young players."
Kremblas played in over 200 games over four seasons with Tribe from 1993 to 1996, during which time he collected 149 hits and 68 RBI.
"Frank Kremblas was a fiery competitor for the Indians during his playing days, and he will bring that same combative style to the dugout as our Manager," Indians Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson says. "During his previous four years of managing at the Triple-A level, he has shown the ability to motivate players who are just one step away from the Major Leagues to keep working hard to improve, and this inspiration will help to create an exciting brand of Baseball for our fans this season."
Kremblas has been a manager in the Minor Leagues since 1998, during which time he compiled a 647-613 record. His 299 career victories rank third in Nashville Sounds history, trailing only Rick Renick (309) and former Indians manager Trent Jewett (320).
"Frank was intelligent and scrappy as a player and has brought those same qualities to his managerial career," Indians President & Chairman of the Board Max Schumacher says. "These qualities have brought him success reflected through his championships and recognition by his peers as a manager with great potential. We are pleased that he will be leading the Indians in 2009."
During his 10 seasons as a Minor League Manager, Kremblas has taken home several awards, including 2003 Southern League Manager of the Year and 2007 Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year. He also managed the West Division All-Stars in the 2004 Southern League All-Star Game and the Pacific Coast League All-Stars in last seasons Triple-A All-Star game.
Kremblas was selected by Cincinnati out of Eastern Kentucky University in 1989 and played eight seasons of Minor League baseball, before ending his career in 1996 with Triple-A Louisville.
Kremblas rounds out the 2009 Indianapolis field staff, which already includes former Indians shortstop and new Hitting Coach Jeff Branson, returning Pitching Coach Ray Searage, Trainer Jose Ministral and Strength & Conditioning Coach Mubarak Malik.
The Indians open the 2009 season on Thursday, April 9 at Victory Field against their division rivals the Toledo Mud Hens. Season tickets are available by calling the Victory Field Box at 317-269-3545 or by clicking here.
For all your Indianapolis Indians holiday gift ideas be sure to check out the Hot Corner Gift Shop, located on the third base side of Victory Field and open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.