(Walnut, CA) No matter the outcome of the 2018 MLB World Series, Mt. SAC will have someone to call a World Champion. This time, instead of players, the Mounties will be represented by Red Sox Bench Coach Ron Roenicke and Dodgers Third Base Coach Chris Woodward. The two men, both out of Covina (CA) and the Mt. SAC Baseball Program under legendary coach Art Mazmanian, are serving prominent coaching roles with their respective organizations.
“It is a real blessing to have two former players coaching in the World Series”, replied Mazmanian.
Mazmanian spent 31 years at the helm of the Mt. SAC Baseball Program and produced over 115 draft picks. Early in his career and during summer breaks, he spent time coaching various minor league and rookie ball teams around the country. He also served as an assistant coach to Tommy Lasorda, on the 1984 US Olympic Baseball Team. An All-American and member of the 1948 USC National Championship Baseball Team, Mazmanian influenced the careers of countless future MLB players and coaches including Roenicke and Woodward.
“People don’t realize how hard it is to make it to that level. These two guys were better than average (MLB) players, but it was their phenomenal work ethic that got them to the big leagues.”
Mountie Athletics Hall of Famer Roenicke (Mt. SAC ‘75-‘76), is a veteran in the Major League Baseball coaching circles. He has served in various coaching capacities with the Dodgers and Angels. This includes over a decade with his friend and former teammate Mike Scioscia (Angels Manager), along with a 5 year run as the manager of the Brewers. With Milwaukee, Roenicke led the Brewers to their first divisional title (2011 NL Central Division) in 29 years and broke the franchises all-time win record with 96 wins (2011). This past season (2018), Roenicke was brought in and teamed up with his former player, Rookie Manager Alex Cora, to help coach the Boston Red Sox players and mentor their young coaching staff.
On the Dodgers side, Woodward (Mt. SAC ’95), who spent over a decade in the major leagues as a player, is a relatively new coach. Soon after retiring in 2012, Woodward began his coaching career that included working with the Seattle Mariners Organization and a managing stint with the New Zealand National Team in 2016, for the 2017 World Baseball Classic qualfying. In 2016, new Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts, named Woodward as his third base coach, a role typically held by a veteran coach. Since joining the franchise, he has helped guide the Dodgers to 3 National League West Titles, 2 National League Championships and 2 World Series appearances.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.