DeShields named Mustangs manager for 2010

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DeShields named Mustangs manager for 2010
11/16/2009 12:40 PM ET
Billings Mustangs

BILLINGS, MT - The Cincinnati Reds have formally announced Delino DeShields will be the new field manager for the Billings Mustangs in 2010 and pitching coach Bob Forsch will return to Billings for a second Pioneer League season.
DeShields, Billings' hitting coach in 2009, replaces manager Julio Garcia. After guiding the Mustangs the past two seasons, Garcia has accepted the managerial post with the rookie Arizona League Reds in Goodyear, Ariz.
"While we never want to lose a manager with the qualities and abilities of Julio Garcia," said Mustangs General Manager Gary Roller, "we're looking forward to Delino returning to Billings for his second season with the Mustangs and his first as field manager. His confidence, positive attitude and enthusiasm for the game of baseball are infectious throughout the clubhouse.
"We're confident that Delino and the coaching staff as a whole will represent the Mustangs and Cincinnati Reds in the most professional manner, and provide the younger players in the organization with the kind of leadership and approach to the game that they need both on and off the field."
Joining the Billings staff is Alex Pelaez, who will fill the hitting coach position vacated by DeShields. Pelaez was the hitting coach for the rookie Gulf Coast League Reds last year. The Reds also announced that athletic trainer Charles Leddon will return to Billings.
"The Reds are proud to announce the 2010 Billings Mustangs field staff. Delino DeShields, Bob Forsch, Alex Peleaz and Charles Leddon will provide a great blend of experience and enthusiasm," said Terry Reynolds, the Reds director of player development. "All but Alex are veterans of the Pioneer League and all know how important this level of play is to the Reds Player Development department. We are expecting an exciting year in Billings."
DeShields, 40, enjoyed a 13-year Major League career with the Montreal Expos, Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles and Cubs. In 1987, DeShields was the first-round pick of the Expos. DeShields, who also was offered a scholarship to play basketball for Villanova University, made his debut with Montreal in 1990. That year, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year Honors.
In his Major League career, DeShields batted .268 with 80 home runs and 561 RBI. His 463 career stolen bases rank him in the top 50 all-time for Major League Baseball. DeShields finished his career with the Cubs, playing his final season in 2002.

Forsch, 59, spent most of his 16-year Major League career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched a pair of no-hitters in 1978 and 1983. He and his brother Ken Forsch are the only set of brothers to both pitch official no-hitters. Ken, who pitched for the Houston Astros, threw one in 1979.
In all, Bob Forsch pitched in the big leagues from 1974 to 1989 and had a record of 168-136 with a career 3.76 ERA. His best year came in 1977, when he won 20 games against just seven losses. He was a member of the Cardinals 1982 World Series Champions and also pitched in the 1985 and 1987 World Series with St. Louis.
Pelaez, 33,was drafted in 1998 by San Diego. He went on to play eight minor league seasons with the Padres, Angels and Reds. He made in Major League debut in 2002 with the Padres. Pelaez played his final professional season with the Reds Triple-A affiliate in Louisville in 2005. He made his professional coaching debut in 2009 with the Gulf Coast League Reds.
Leddon, who was named the Pioneer League Athletic Trainer of the year in 2009, returns for his fourth season with the Mustangs.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.