Greg Riddoch Named Spokane Manager
November 1, 2004 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Spokane Indians News Release
SPOKANE, WA â The Spokane Indians and Texas Rangers announced today that former San Diego Padres Manager Greg Riddoch will manage the Spokane Indians during the 2005 season. Riddoch, who has been a roving Defensive Coordinator for the Rangers, will join the Indians on the bench for his first managerial job since piloting the Padres for three seasons in the early 1990's. Riddoch brings with him 38 years of professional baseball experience to the Indians bench.
Prior to joining the Rangers organization in 2002, Riddoch worked in the front offices of the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds, including serving as Director of Player Development for the Brewers and Reds. Riddoch's professional baseball career began in 1967 when he was a 3rd round draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds, after leading the NCAA in homeruns for Colorado State College, now known as the University of Northern Colorado.
"Everyone in Spokane should be extremely excited to hear the news that Greg will be our manager in 2005," said Indians Chairman and Principal Owner Bobby Brett. "Having a manager of Greg's caliber is a treat that the great fans here in Spokane deserve and we are pleased that the Texas Rangers have named Greg our manager."
Riddoch is no stranger to the Northwest League, managing the Seattle Rainiers in 1974 and the Eugene Emeralds from 1975-76 and 1978-81. In 1975, Riddoch made his debut with the Emeralds, guiding them to a 54-25 record and a Northwest League Championship. After leaving Eugene after the 1976 season, Riddoch returned to the NWL in 1978 and led the Emeralds to the Southern Division Championship. In 1980, Riddoch led the Emeralds to another NWL Championship. Coincidentally, the Emeralds have not won a league championship since Riddoch left the Emeralds in 1981. In six years with the Emeralds, Riddoch compiled a 227-204 record and ranks #2 all-time in wins in Emeralds franchise history.
In 1990, Riddoch reached the pinnacle of the baseball coaching profession when he was named manager of the San Diego Padres. After taking over for Jack McKeon midway through the 1990 season, Riddoch returned to the Padres bench in 1991 and guided the team to a 84-78 record and a 3rd place finish in the six-team National League West. The Padres' 84 wins in 1991 were the 3rd most wins in the franchise's 23-year history.
The Texas Rangers will announce hitting and pitching coaches for the Indians in the near future. Riddoch and staff will get their first taste of Northwest League action on Monday, June 21st as the Indians open the 2005 season on the road in Eugene, Oregon to take on the Emeralds. The Indians 2005 home opener is Sunday, June 26th at 6:30 PM versus the Everett AquaSox at Avista Stadium. A complete 2005 schedule is attached. Ticket packages to see Greg and the 2005 Spokane Indians in action are on sale now. To reserve your seats today, call the Indians at (509) 535-2922 and be sure to Make It An Indian Summer!
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Northwest League Stories from November 1, 2004
- Volcanoes Announce 2005 Schedule - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
- Greg Riddoch Named Spokane Manager - Spokane Indians
- Marquis Spas and Your Back Yard Team Up with Volcanoes to benefit Make A Wish - Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
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