Former Diablo Barajas selected as new manager of Chihuahuas

The Chihuahuas have named former major leaguer Rod Barajas as their new manager.

Many believe he’s the best fit for El Paso the organization could have hoped for. Barajas is not only a former El Paso Diablo’s catcher and Texas League All-Star, he’s the Chihuahuas first hispanic manager and first Spanish speaking skipper, which makes him perfect for Borderland baseball.

The 40-year-old played for seven major league teams, including the D-Backs, where he won a World Series in 2001. He also played for the Rangers and Dodgers, which makes him extremely popular in El Paso.

“Playing in El Paso, coaching in El Paso is like the big leagues,” Barajas said.

A career .235 hitter, his minor league career brought him through El Paso in 1999, where he played at Cohen Stadium.

“Some special things happened to me that year,” Barajas said. “It was probably the biggest year of my life. First and foremost, this is where I got married. Not a lot of people know that.”

Barajas and his wife Stacie have eight children, all of whom will be joining him in El Paso.

“We’re all going to come down here and be part of the El Paso community,” Barajas said as ABC-7 pointed out he’s one child short of having an entire baseball team. “Yes, yes I am. But, no, we’re done. Eight’s enough.”

Chihuahuas management and ownership see Barajas as a great fit, and he does too.

“I think he will relate very well not only to the players but to the fans here,” Chihuahuas GM Brad Taylor said. “I think it’ll be great.”

Team co-owner Alejandra de la Vega added: “I think Rod is a perfect fit for two things: His background represents our background, he played here, but most importantly he’s a winner.”

“I think it’s a great fit, I honestly do,” Barajas said. “I was really hoping the Padres would give me this opportunity, and not just to say that I’m in Triple-A, but just to be part of this whole area.”

Barajas told ABC-7 this is a huge step for him and he’s hoping the next stop is the big leagues, as a manager. But with Andy Green taking over in San Diego this year, El Paso should get to keep Barajas at least a couple of years.