By Kevin Goldstein
July 26, 2005

While it’s not nearly as exciting as the list of participating players, the managers and coaches were named on Monday for the 2005 Arizona Fall League. Normally seen as a showcase for some of the top prospects in baseball, the Arizona Fall League has also served as a breeding ground for future managers as well. Since the league began in 1992, 18 former AFL managers have become big league managers, including seven current managers, and a pair, in Red Sox skipper Terry Francona and Angels manager Mike Scioscia who have won World Series titles this decade. In addition 37 former AFL coaches and even 21 former AFL trainers are now working in the big leagues.

This year’s list is headed by a pair of former big leaguers in Ken Oberkfell (currently managing for the Mets at Triple-A Norfolk) and Gary Pettis (a coach for the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate in Nashville. The 14^th Arizona Fall League will begin play on October 4.

TEAM	MANAGER	PITCHING COACH	COACH
Grand Canyon Raptors	Ken Oberkfell (Mets)	David Chavarria (Rangers)	John Mallee (Marlins)
Mesa Solar Sox	Luis Rivera (Indians)	Mike Caldwell (Tigers)	Von Joshua (Cubs)
Peoria Javelinas	Gary Pettis (Brewers)	Larry McCall (Orioles)	Stu Cole (Rockies)
Peoria Saguaros	Eddie Rodriguez (Nationals)	Ralph Treuel (Red Sox)	Hensley Meulens (Pirates)
Phoenix Desert Dogs	Scott Little (Dodgers)	Scott Emerson (Athletics)	Steve Livesey (Devil Rays)
Surprise Scorpions	Ron Warner (Cardinals)	Kernan Ronan (Angels)	P.J. Forbes (Phillies)