Citizen Staff Writer
KEN BRAZZLE
kbrazzle@tucsoncitizen.com
Former major league pitcher Ed Vosberg is back coaching in the minor leagues, and won’t have to leave home to do it.
Vosberg, who resides in Tucson, was introduced Wednesday as the pitching coach for the Tucson Toros, who will compete in the independent Golden League starting this summer.
Also introduced was hitting coach Pete LaCock.
Vosberg and LaCock join the coaching staff of manager Tim Johnson.
“We were all saddened when we heard that the Sidewinders were leaving town,” said Vosberg, who played baseball at Salpointe Catholic High School and the University of Arizona before going to the major leagues. “I am just grateful for this opportunity to continue to coach.
“I don’t know a lot about independent ball. I know T.J. and Pete do. I think it’s going to be exciting. I think it’s going to be a neat league. I am just thankful baseball is going to be here in Tucson. Hopefully, it’ll never leave here, but you never know.”
Vosberg has four years of coaching experience with the Oakland Athletics and Arizona Diamondbacks. He also has a World Series ring as a member of the pitching staff of the Florida Marlins in 1997.
“(Vosberg) has tremendous qualifications. Some day, he will be a big league pitching coach,” Johnson said.
“I am looking forward to helping this organization get ballplayers (who could) possibly play in the big leagues like I did,” Vosberg said. “I am excited about putting the Tucson Toros uniform on. Putting this uniform on definitely brings the kid out in you. I’ll looking forward to May rolling around, so we can get the ball rolling.”
LaCock is no stranger to independent baseball, having coached with St. Joe (St. Joseph, Mo.) Blacksnakes (2007) and Lincoln (Neb.) Saltdogs (2008).
“I am glad to be part of the Tucson Toros,” LaCock said. “I am sure we’ll have plenty of support here. We hope to show you a good brand of independent baseball. I am proud to be with Tim Johnson, who I have been with before.”
Tucson will open its season with a home game at Hi Corbett Field on May 21 against the Chico (Calif.) Outlaws.
‘I am just thankful baseball is going to be here in Tucson.’
ED VOSBERG,
Tucson Toros pitching coach