Former major league outfielder Bobby Mitchell takes over from Al Pedrique, who is managing AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
TRENTON -- Bobby Mitchell has an old friend to lean on as he gets ready to take the helm for the first time as manager for the Trenton Thunder for the first time.
Mitchell, who takes over from newly-promoted Triple A Scranton/Wilkes Barre manager Al Pedrique, got a chance to see former Thunder manager Tony Franklin this spring.
Mitchell got a chance to pick the brain of the long-time Trenton skipper on all things Thunder related, and it should help the veteran manger as he takes the reigns in the Easter League for the first time Thursday night.
"I know Tony from way back," Mitchell said. "Tony and I were with the Padres. I was there a couple of years."
"He was their infield coordinator, and I was the outfield coordinator. So I got to know him. I had not seen him in along time, so it was great to see him, and what a great person," Mitchell said. "He has been very helpful to me, and has shed some insight on what to expect, and the teams he had here."
The new manager spoke Tuesday during the New York Yankees' AA affiliate's mmedia day, as well as their annual "Welcome North Open House" at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton.
Mitchell also got an opportunity to chat with Pedrique during spring training, which was also advantageous.
"I just met Al, but what a great person he was," Mitchell said. "I have a good friend that was his pitching coach with the (Arizona) Diamondbacks, way back when, and he told me that he was a quality guy, and he wasn't lying.
"He and I got along great, actually. He helped me some, but I would say Tony helped me and talked to me about the situation here more," Mitchell said. "I always enjoy coming in here, because it is such a beautiful ballpark, with the river in the background. But both of those guys helped out, and helped out a lot."
With much of the coaching staff back, including pitching coach Jose Rosado (second season), hitting coach PJ Pilittere (second season), and defensive coach Justin Tordi (fourth season), back in the fold, along with first-year bullpen coach JD Closser, Mitchell also has a strong support staff in the dugout for his initial campaign in the Thunder pinstripes.
"My coaching staff is unbelievable, as you guys know," Mitchell said. "This coaching staff is probably the best coaching staff I have ever been with, and passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated.
I love to teach, and I will be doing the outfield, base-running, and bunting teaching for this team, but I have and infield guy, a catching guy, pitching guy, hitting guy.
For Mitchell, the relationship with the young players comes down to trust.
"We have everything covered, but that trust factor has to be there. I want the guys to trust me. If they don't buy in to what you are teaching them, it is an uphill battle. So we try to treat everyone the same. We are all here to help them. We are here to get them to the major leagues."
The Thunder named the former big league outfielder manager in January.
Since retiring from the majors in 1986, Mitchell has served as skills coordinator for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Montreal Expos.
Mitchell has managed for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes the Anaheim Angels' Triple-A affiliate the Salt Lake Bees, and the Chicago Cubs' Rookie League affiliate in the Arizona League.
Mitchell played in 202 major league games from 1980-'83, stealing 84 bases with a .243 batting average. He spent his first two years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the second two with the Minnesota Twins.
Contact Sean Miller at seankickingablue@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter@SeanMillerNJcom.