The most coveted job in Brooklyn baseball is again in the hands of a veteran big leaguer.
Manager Rich Donnelly, who helped the Florida Marlins win the World Series in 1997, is back at the helm of the Brooklyn Cyclones after leading the feared home team to a 45–29 record and a wild-card playoff berth in his first year as head coach in 2011.
The former motivational speaker pledges to top that stellar streak.
He will have some sound help around him when the Cyclones take to the dugout on June 18 at MCU Park for the home-opening showdown against the hated Staten Island Yankees. Donnelly will be joined by 30-year hitting coach Bobby Malek, and Marc Valdes, who spent last season with the Minor League Binghamton Mets.
They have plenty of time to get their squad in order — the Cyclones are currently in Florida with their big-league brethren, the New York Mets, who will pitch off in April.
Cyclones brass couldn’t be happier.
“With the success that Rich and Bobby had with the Cyclones in 2011, we are glad to have them back this year,” said General Manager Steve Cohen.
Reach reporter Eli Rosenberg at erosenberg@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2531. And follow him at twitter.com/emrosenberg.
