Sod Poodles name Tim Bogar as next manager

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Amarillo Sod Poodles named Tim Bogar as the team’s manager for the 2024 season on Monday.

Bogar is a three-time Minor League Manager of the Year and will be the third manager in Sod Poodles franchise history. As for the rest of the coaching staff, Tom Gorzelanny will return as pitching coach and Terrmel Sledge will return as hitting coach. Ronnie Gajownik will serve as the bench coach, Connor Oates as athletic trainer and Ryan Harrel as lead strength and conditioning.

“It’s no secret that the Sod Poodles are a first-class organization, and I am proud to become a part of it and the Amarillo community,” Bogar said. “Working with young players is a passion of mine and I am eager to engage with my players to teach and learn from them. I look forward to getting to know my coaching and support staff and utilize their strengths so that together we can continue to build on the excellence the Diamondbacks and Sod Poodles are known for.”

Bogar’s first won Manager of the Year with the Greeneville Astros in 2004, his first year managing in the minors. He won the award again in 2005 with the Lexington Legends after leading the club to a league-best 82-57 record. In 2006, he won the award for the third time in as many years, across three different leagues, leading the Akron Aeros to a record of 87-55.

“We could not be more excited to have Tim join and lead our Amarillo Sod Poodles Team,” Sod Poodles President/General Manager Tony Ensor said. “His resume and experience speaks for itself and shows a real love of the game. In addition, his wide-ranging experience at both the Major and Minor League levels is exactly the kind of leader young players seek in their journey through the minors to ultimately reach their goal of Major League Baseball. I know our Amarillo fans and community will welcome Tim with open arms when the team arrives for the 2024 season.”

Bogar coached from 2008-2012 in the Majors, before managing the Arkansas Travelers in 2013. He led the Travs to a 73-66 regular season record, a second-half championship and an appearance in the Texas League Championship series in his only stop in the Texas League before coming to Amarillo. He was the Texas Rangers’ bench coach for the 2014 season and was appointed interim manager near the end of the season, going 14-8 over the Rangers’ final 22 games. After stops with the Los Angeles Angels, the Seattle Mariners, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Boston Red Sox and spending the last six years with the Washington Nationals, Bogar returns to the Minor Leagues, where he’s only ever posted successful seasons.

Sod Poodles all-time winningest manager Shawn Roof has been assigned as a coach for the Reno Aces in 2024.

The reigning Texas League Champions begin the 2024 season at HODGETOWN against the San Antonio Missions on Friday, April 5.