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SALT LAKE CITY - The Los Angeles Angels announced today that Dave Anderson has been hired as the manager of the Salt Lake Bees for the 2015 season.
"I'm happy to be a part of the Angels organization and the Salt Lake Bees," Anderson said. "Salt Lake is a great sports town with a beautiful ballpark, and the Angels have talented players coming through their system. That combination makes this one of the best jobs in Minor League Baseball."
Joining Anderson's staff are hitting coach Johnny Narron, pitching coach Erik Bennett, trainer Brian Reinker and strength and conditioning coach Josh Fields. Narron is a newcomer to the Angels organization, while Bennett, Reinker and Fields all return to Salt Lake for 2015.
"We are excited about the 2015 Salt Lake coaching staff," said Angels Director of Player Development Bobby Scales. "The additions of Dave Anderson and Johnny Narron, to a staff that includes Erik Bennett, provides a wealth of experience and baseball knowledge."
"We welcome Dave and Johnny to Salt Lake and are happy to have Erik, Brian and Josh back with us for the 2015 season." said Bees General Manager Marc Amicone. "The Angels have provided the Bees with great coaches over the years and that continues with this excellent staff."
I'm happy to be a part of the Angels organization and the Salt Lake Bees. Salt Lake is a great sports town with a beautiful ballpark, and the Angels have talented players coming through their system. That combination makes this one of the best jobs in Minor League Baseball.
–Dave Anderson
Anderson joins the Angels organization after spending 2014 with Baltimore as the Orioles' minor league infield instructor. Prior to his stint in Baltimore, Anderson spent five years on the Texas Rangers Major League coaching staff as a first base coach in 2013 and third base coach from 2009-12. Anderson also served as the minor league infield coordinator for Texas in 2008 and managed the Rangers Double-A affiliate in Frisco to a postseason berth in 2007.
The 54-year old former infielder has been coaching since 1994, compiling a 507-464 record in eight years as a minor league manager. From 2001-04 Anderson was the head coach at the University of Memphis posting a 104-116 mark at his alma mater.
A first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981, Anderson played 10 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. As a Dodger, Anderson was a teammate of Angels' manager Mike Scioscia for eight seasons, including the 1988 World Series Championship team.
Narron comes to Salt Lake after spending the previous three seasons as the hitting coach for the Milwaukee Brewers. Under his guidance the Brewers led the National League in both runs (776) and home runs (202) in 2012. Narron previously was on the Texas Rangers coaching staff alongside Anderson from 2008-11, serving as assistant hitting coach and a special assignment coach.
Bennett returns to Salt Lake for a seventh season as pitching coach and his 19th year in the Angels organization. In 2014 Bennett coached a Bees-record 42 different pitchers and helped pitchers Matt Shoemaker and Hector Santiago become key contributors for the Angels American League West-winning season.
Anderson becomes the ninth manager in team history and takes over for 2013 Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year Keith Johnson, who accepted a job as the Angels' minor league infield coordinator after four seasons in Salt Lake.
The Bees start the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 at Sacramento. The team will open up the home slate on Friday, April 17 at Smith's Ballpark. Ticket packages and additional information about the team is available at www.slbees.com or 801-325-BEES (2337).
