Ports Announce 2014 Field Staff
STOCKTON, Calif.- The Stockton Ports have announced their field staff for the 2014 season in conjunction with the Oakland Athletics. Former Major League Baseball outfielder, Ryan Christenson, will enter his first season as manager for the Ports. Joining him are pitching coach John Wasdin, hitting coach Brian McArn, and athletic trainer Travis Tims.
Christenson will be joining the Ports in his second season with the A's organization, after serving as manager of Class-A Beloit in 2013. While in Beloit, Christenson helped the Snappers claim the first-half division championship and finished with a record of 77-62. Beloit was ultimately defeated by the Quad City River Bandits in the second round of playoffs, after sweeping the Clinton LumberKings in the first round. Christenson, a California native and Pepperdine alum, was drafted in the 10th round of the 1995 draft by the Oakland Athletics. He also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers during his Major League career. Prior to Beloit, Christenson acted as Baseball Coach and Instructor for Foundation Sports in Lovejoy, Georgia.
Wasdin will serve as pitching coach for the Ports, marking his fourth season with the A's organization. Wasdin previously served as pitching coach with Class-A Burlington, Short-A Vermont, and most recently Class-A Beloit. Wasdin was drafted as a first-round pick in 1993 by the Oakland Athletics, with the 25th overall pick. In 2003, Wasdin threw a perfect game with Triple-A Nashville, and he played twelve seasons in the Major Leagues with Oakland, Boston, Colorado, Baltimore, Toronto, Texas, and Pittsburgh.
McArn, an Elk Grove native, will be re-joining the Ports as hitting coach in his 17th season with the A's organization. McArn spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons in Stockton before getting promoted to Double-A Midland in 2013. Previously, McArn has also coached for Triple-A Sacramento and Advanced-A Modesto.
Tims will enter his second season in Stockton as the Ports' Athletic Trainer and seventh with the A's organization. Prior to joining Stockton, he spent 2012 with Low-A Burlington Bees and acted as Athletic Trainer in short-season from 2008-2011. In 2010, Tims was named Northwest League's Athletic Trainer of the Year.
"We are thrilled to welcome the new field staff. I am excited for our run for an unprecedented 12th League championship title," said Ports President Pat Filippone. "We wish Webster Garrison the best with his opportunity in Midland after three seasons in Stockton."
Former Ports manager, Webster Garrison, will be joining Double-A Midland as hitting coach. In Stockton, Garrison led the team to a 200-220 record over three seasons.
Opening day is April 10, 2014 vs. the Visalia Rawhide.
For more information regarding the 2014 season, contact the Ports at (209) 644-1900.