DETROIT — With his team advancing to the World Series last season, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland has the honor of coaching this year’s American League All-Star team. Today, the Tigers skipper announced who would be joining him at the 84th mid-summer classic scheduled for Tuesday, July 16th at New York Mets’ Citi Field.
Leyland has asked Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura and Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons to assist him in leading the American League All-Stars against the National League All-Stars. Ventura is in only his second year as the White Sox skipper. Gibbons will serve as a coach for the A.L. squad for the second time, having worked with Ozzie Guillen for the 2006 mid-summer classic in Pittsburgh.
Jim Leyland will have plenty of familiar faces with him at Citi Field this year, too. Leyland’s Tigers coaches Rafael Belliard (first base), Tom Brookens (third base), Toby Harrah (assistant hitting), Jeff Jones (pitching), Gene Lamont (bench), Lloyd McClendon (hitting) and Mike Rojas (bullpen) will all be present to work with the American League All-Stars.
San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy has named Mets manager Terry Collins and Washington Nationals skipper Davey Johnson as his National League coaches.
