TinCaps Press Release:
Dascenzo Returns to Manage 2009 TinCaps
Manager, pitching coach and hitting coach coming back to Fort WayneThree familiar faces are set to lead the Fort Wayne TinCaps in 2009. Manager Doug Dascenzo returns for his third season at the helm in Fort Wayne. Pitching coach Tom Bradley and hitting coach Tom Tornincasa, both members of the 2008 field staff, are also back in their respective roles. Ernesto Vega, Jr. joins the TinCaps for his first season in Fort Wayne.
Dascenzo, 44, becomes the second manager to lead Fort Wayne for three consecutive seasons (2007-09). Randy Ready skippered the team for the 2004-06 seasons.
In two seasons as a manager in Fort Wayne, Dascenzo carries a record of 126-153. He earned Northwest League Co-Manager of the Year honors for Short-Season Eugene in his managerial debut in 2006. The Emeralds went 43-33 and finished in second place in the Western Division.
In three seasons overall as a manager, Dascenzo has managed Padres prospects including OF Cedric Hunter, 2B Matt Antonelli and RHP Jackson Quezada.
This is Dascenzo’s 11th season overall in the Padres’ organization. He began his professional coaching career in 1999 as the organization’s outfield/baserunning instructor, a post he held for seven seasons before becoming manager.
As a player, Dascenzo enjoyed a 14-year professional career, including parts of seven seasons in the major leagues. He began his Major League career by playing a then-National League record 241 consecutive games without an error. He spent time in the major leagues with the Cubs, Rangers and Padres. In college, Dascenzo helped Oklahoma State University to back-to-back College World Series appearances in 1984-85.
Bradley, 61, is in his third season as pitching coach in Fort Wayne. He was with the club in 2006, went to Eugene in 2007 and returned to the Summit City in 2008.
Last year under Bradley, the Fort Wayne pitching staff finished second in the Midwest League in strikeouts (1137) while posting the lowest walk total (328) on the circuit, nearly a 3.5-to-1 ratio.
Prior to coming to the Padres’ organization, Bradley coached and managed in the Toronto organization. He has worked with major leaguers including Royals RHP Joakim Soria and Blue Jays RHP Shaun Marcum.
Bradley also has extensive experience at the college level including stints as the pitching coach at St. Mary’s College, head coach at Jacksonville University and head coach at his alma mater, the University of Maryland.
As a player, Bradley pitched in parts of seven major-league seasons with the Angels, White Sox and Giants.
Tornincasa, 53, returns for his sixth season leading the hitters in Fort Wayne. His first stint came from 2001-04 and he returned in 2007.
This is Tornincasa’s 10th season coaching in the Padres’ organization. He has coached as high as the Double-A level, helping San Antonio to a Texas League title in 2007.
Last year under Tornincasa’s tutelage, Fort Wayne’s hitters led the Midwest League by drawing 581 walks (4.2 per game) and finished second in runs scored with 631 (4.5 per game).
Tornincasa joined the Padres’ organization in 2000 as a coach with the Arizona Rookie League Padres. After spending 2001-04 with Fort Wayne, he made his way to Advanced-A Lake Elsinore for 2005-06. In 2007, his Double-A San Antonio hitters led the Texas League in drawing walks on their way to a championship.
Tornincasa played shortstop in college at Stanislaus (CA) State, appearing in the 1978 Division III World Series. He played professionally for two seasons in Mexico and coached at the collegiate level for Cal Baptist in Riverside, CA.
Vega, 34, joins the TinCaps for his third season in the Padres’ organization. He spent the 2007-08 seasons with the Rookie-level Arizona League Padres in Peoria, AZ. Prior to joining the San Diego organization, Vega served as Assistant Athletic Trainer for five years at Chico State University. He received his Bachelor’s Degree as well as his Master’s Degree in physical education from Chico State. In 2001 he served as the athletic trainer for Short-Season Jamestown in the Braves’ organization. Additionally, he spent two seasons as an athletic trainer for the Chico Heat of the Western Basketball League.
The Fort Wayne TinCaps open the 2009 season on Thursday, April 9th when they visit the Lansing Lugnuts. They play their home opener at the new Parkview Field on Thursday, April 16th. Ticket packages are available online at www.tincaps.com or by calling (260) 482-6400.
Dascenzo’s Minor League Managerial Record
Year/Team/Record
2006 Eugene (Short-Season A) 43-33
2007 Fort Wayne (Low-A) 55-84
2008 Fort Wayne (Low-A) 71-69Total 3 Seasons 169-186
Related Images:
