— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Appalachian League baseball team that will begin playing at Marshall this summer has named its first manager.
The league has named 35-year pro baseball veteran Tommy Gregg to lead the yet-to-be named team.
Gregg managed the Pulaski River Turtles of the Appalchoian League last season.
“I’m really fired up and looking forward to bringing baseball back to Huntington and the Tri-State area,” said Gregg. “Marshall University has built a top-notch facility, and I can’t wait to get out there on Jack Cook Field.”
Gregg was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the seventh round of the 1985 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest University. He made his big league debut with the organization during the 1987 season.
Gregg played nine seasons in the Major Leagues as a member of the Pirates (1987-88), Atlanta Braves (1988-92, 1997), Cincinnati Reds (1993) and the Miami Marlins (1995). He hit .255 over 226 games with Atlanta during the 1989-90 seasons and finished his career with a .243 average in 446 games.
Gregg transitioned into a coaching role with Atlanta after retirement, holding positions with the Single-A Macon Braves (1999-2000) and Myrtle Beach Pelicans (2001). He spent five years (2002-06) on the St. Louis Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate Memphis Redbirds’ coaching staff before joining the Royals organization for the next decade. With Kansas City, Gregg served as a coach for Single-A Wichita (2007), Double-A Northwest Arkansas (2008) and Triple-A Omaha (2009-17). He joined the Marlins in 2018, coaching Miami’s Triple-A New Orleans affiliate for two seasons.
“The Appalachian League is ecstatic to have Tommy Gregg as our 2024 Tri-State field manager,” Appalachian League Executive Director Brian Graham said. “He not only brings tremendous Major League experience and a great baseball resume, but he’s an excellent teacher and coach who will be a fantastic role model for the young players.”
News is expected in coming weeks regarding the team’s pitching coach, team colors and nickname. The club’s opening game at Jack Cook Field is set for June 4.