Chihuahuas introduce former major-leaguer Edwin Rodriguez as new manager
“A big deal.”
That’s how the ownership team of the El Paso Chihuahuas described the hiring of Edwin Rodriguez to manage the triple-A baseball team.
Rodriguez, who played for both the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees, has spent 40 years in professional baseball as either a player, coach or manager.
The native of Puerto Rico also managed the Puerto Rico baseball team during the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classics.
“I want to be a part of this community. I would like to spend time with the community and share this experience with them. I am very glad to be here,” said Rodriguez as he was introduced to the media, “San Diego has a very, very good setup here with the Chihuahuas. This organization, in El Paso, I have heard a lot of good things and I am very glad to be here.”
The San Diego Padres pipeline has sent very interesting players to El Paso. The Chihuahuas announced Thursday that 42 former players have made their big league debut with San Diego Padres.
The team’s ownership group said that of the Top 100 Major League Baseball prospects, ten are currently in the San Diego Padres system and will play for the Chihuahuas. ESPN.com also ranked the Padres system as the best in MLB, the ownership group said.
The Chihuahuas extended their affiliation with the Padres, with whom they will be partners until the 2022 season, the team announced Thursday.
“We’re going to have very good players. How long are they’re going to be here? We don’t know,” said Rodriguez, “Our job is to develop major league players, but we will also be playing to win a championship.”
The Chihuahuas announced Southwest University Park will host the Triple-A baseball home run derby on July 8th and the Triple-A All Star Game on July 10th.
The team also announced changes to the ballpark expected to enhance the fan experience. The rooftop deck will be a new facility with a new bar and a different view from atop the “Doghouse” section.
In addition, the City Hall Grill will be improved to provide a different experience and the Fiesta Patio will be accomodated for a soccer field, a bar and lounge seating with televisions.
