It was quite the crowd. The Crowne Plaza was quite the host. Those are just two things I heard after today’s press conference.

Earlier today, the R-Phils introduced new manager Mark Parent to Baseballtown. Parent, 49, begins his second season in the Philadelphia Phillies organization,
and will become the 24th manager in Reading Phillies history when he
takes the field in 2011.

Last year, as the first-year manager of Single-A
Lakewood, the Ashland, Oregon native led the BlueClaws to an 84-55
record and a South Atlantic League championship – the club’s second in
as many seasons.

Back in November of 2010, the Philadelphia Phillies announced that Parent would take over as the new manager of the R-Phils. Today, it was time to be introduced.

Before a crowd of about 50 people, which included political
dignitaries, Kings and a Queen of Baseballtown, R-Phils front office members,
and media members in attendance, Parent was introduced by Steve Noworyta, Philadelphia Phillies Assistant Director of Minor League Operations, at the Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel.

Everyone in attendance wanted to know about the new skipper in Baseballtown. And, they wanted to know just what to expect in 2011.

The new manager got right to it. Right away, he talked about wanting to win.

“For me, when I’m working with young players, I want people who are athletic, energetic, and want to win,” said the new R-Phils skipper. 

The former Major League catcher added, “I want to develop people, but I want them to want to win. Everyday you go out there, you gotta try to win a ballgame.”  

And now, with some great young prospects in the organization — winning games in Baseballtown may not be far away.

“Hopefully, with the young players that I had last year, and the young players that were in Clearwater, and some of the good players — the prospects, that were here last year in Reading, we’ll have a pretty good club out on the field this year,” said Parent.

He later noted, “My guys will know I am here for them. I want them to get better, I want them to have all the success in the world. I managed in two other cities, other than Lakewood, I managed in Lancaster, Cal. and Chico in the Golden League, and we won everywhere — so I expect to win.”  

It was an honor and a privilege to finally meet our new manager. I, as well as everyone in Baseballtown, are looking forward to a great season.

The 2011 campaign is shaping up to be one of the best yet. With the $10 million renovations project in full-swing, and a manager dedicated to winning, the R-Phils are committed to giving their fans a great product this season. And, as Mark said earlier today, the Phillies organization is truly an honor to be a part of.

“Being with the Phillies organization, as a player, and now as an
instructor/manager, it’s been quite an honor, it’s been quite a ride,
from Dave Montgomery down. It’s full of people who are in it for one
reason, and one reason only — to win ballgames,” said Parent.

Mark Parent Press Conference Video

Back in the swing of things, and one day away from December 1, I’m back with the latest updates from around Baseballtown.

Last week was a busy week around the organization. The most important news coming out of the week, however, was the fact the R-Phils now have a manager to lead them into 2011 — former Major League catcher Mark Parent.

Here’s his bio:

Mark Parent, 49, begins his second season in the Philadelphia
Phillies organization, and will become the 24th manager in Reading
Phillies history when he takes the field in 2011. In 2010, as the
first-year manager of Single-A Lakewood, the Ashland, Oregon native led
the BlueClaws to an 84-55 record and a South Atlantic League
championship – the club’s second in as many seasons. 

Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 4th round of the 1979
MLB Draft, Parent played 13 Major League seasons before retiring after
the 1998 campaign. Over his 13-year career, he spent time with the San
Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs,
Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies. His best
offensive season came in 1995, when he mashed 18 home runs and 38 RBIs
as a member of both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs (sent to
the Pirates as part of a conditional deal on August 31). 

As we inch closer to the season, I’ll have more with our manager. Expect an interview in the near future, and much more. I look forward to working him and the rest of our staff (Bob Milacki – pitching coach, Frank Cacciatore – hitting coach, and Chris Mudd — athletic trainer) in 2011.