The National League Cincinnati Reds have announced that Ray Martinez will serve as field manager of the Billings Mustangs for the 2016 season. Martinez replaces Dick Schofield, who was promoted to manage the Dayton Dragons of the Class-A Midwest League.

Joining Martinez in Billings is pitching coach Seth Etherton, hitting coach Joe Thurston, bench coach Todd Takayoshi, athletic trainer Jesse Guffey and strength coach Trey Strickland. Guffey is the only member of the Mustangs staff to return from the 2015 season.

"Inasmuch as we hate losing Dick, we're thrilled that Ray will be managing the team this season," commented Gary Roller, Mustangs General Manager. "We established a solid working relationship with him in 2012, and look forward to building on that relationship this summer. Ray is a professional in every sense of the word, both on and off the field, and we're confident that he will have a positive impact and influence in the clubhouse, particularly with the younger players. Under Ray's direction we believe that 2016 will be another successful season for our organization."

Martinez, 47, enters his sixth season in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He spent the 2015 season as the field manager for the Rookie AZL Reds and previously served as the hitting coach for the Class-A Bakersfield Blaze (2013, 2014), Billings Mustangs (2012), and the AZL Reds (2011).

"Ray Martinez is a tremendous individual with a passion for developing young players," said Reds Director of Player Development Jeff Graupe. "He has a wealth of experience as a player and coach and will be asked to create a culture of professionalism and competitiveness amongst our rookie-level players. His work ethic and dedication to the team will provide an outstanding guide and I am excited for his move to Billings."

A former infielder, Martinez played in parts of 18 professional seasons, including stints in the California Angels, Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres organizations. He was selected by California in the seventh round of the 1987 draft and played in more than 1,500 minor league games.

In addition to the 2016 season being the 64th year that the Mustangs franchise has called Billings home, it also marks the 43rd consecutive season that the Mustangs have served as the Rookie affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.
The Mustangs open the '16 Pioneer League season at Dehler Park in Billings on Friday, June 17 when they play host to the Missoula Osprey at 7:05 pm MST.

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