Beech Tree News Network

Bowling Green, KY – The Bowling Green Hot Rods in conjunction with their parent club, the Tampa Bay Rays, announce that Reinaldo Ruiz will return as the team’s manager for the 2016 season.  Ruiz is joined by coach Manny Castillo, pitching coach Bill Moloney, athletic trainer James Ramsdell, and strength and conditioning coach Andrew Cook.

 “We are thrilled to have Reinaldo and Bill returning this season and we welcome Manny back to Bowling Green,” said Hot Rods General Manager/COO Adam Nuse.  “The professionalism and dedication displayed by Reinaldo and his staff is infectious to us all and we look forward to seeing the team back on the field this season.”

The 2016 season will mark Ruiz’s second season in South Central Kentucky and seventh with the Tampa Bay Rays.  During his first season as manager, Ruiz led the Hot Rods to a 69-69 record; his team featured a Midwest League best eight all-stars and a franchise record eleven in-season player promotions.

“I am excited and privileged to return for my second season as the manager of the Hot Rods,” said Ruiz of his return.  “My first year was a great experience for me and my family.  I enjoyed coming to Bowling Green Ballpark every day, I love the fans and I enjoyed working with the front office.  Again, I am very excited and looking forward to the 2016 season and continuing to help develop players that come through Bowling Green.”

Ruiz, a Venezuela native, made stops in the Gulf Coast League, New York-Penn League and Appalachian League as a coach for the Rays before arriving in Bowling Green.  Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in 1996 as an international free agent, the former catcher began his career stateside in 2001, having spent time with the Lexington Legends during his playing career.

Castillo is no stranger to Bowling Green having served as the coach for the Hot Rods for four seasons (2010-2013).  During his two-year hiatus from the Hot Rods, he has been tutoring the young hitters for the Rays in Hudson Valley, NY (New York-Penn League).  The former Major Leaguer with the Royals and Mariners has spent time at every level from the Dominican Summer League to Double A.  The 2016 season will be Castillo’s 19th season with the Tampa Bay Rays and 41st in professional baseball. 

Bill Moloney returns to Bowling Green for his third consecutive season.  Under his direction in 2015, the Hot Rods pitching staff posted a team ERA of 3.39.  He also saw six of his pitchers receive in-season promotions, most notably, highly touted prospect Brett Honeywell.  The 2016 season will mark Moloney’s tenth season with the Tampa Bay Rays.

James Ramsdell is a new face to the Hot Rods staff this season having spent the past two seasons as the athletic trainer for the Princeton Rays (Appalachian League).  Ramsdell is a graduate of Salem State University and East Carolina University and began his tenure with the Rays in 2013.

Overseeing the strength and conditioning program for the second consecutive season is Andrew Cook.  The Georgia native is a graduate of Asbury College in Lexington, KY.

The Hot Rods open their eighth season in South Central Kentucky on Thursday, April 7th against the Dayton Dragons.  Mini-plans and season tickets are now available for the 2016 season at the Hot Rods front office and online at BGHotRods.com.