Syracuse Mets Announce 2019 Coaching Staff for Inaugural Season

Mets coaching staff brings plentiful experience for first season in Syracuse

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets are excited to announce the team’s coaching staff for the 2019 season. While all six staff members are new to the Syracuse coaching staff this season, five of them were together last year coaching the Mets’ previous Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas.

Manager Tony DeFrancesco comes to Syracuse with 24 years of managerial experience, including last season as manager for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas. The Bronx, New York native has won more than 1700 games as a manager in his career. In 15 seasons as a Triple-A manger, DeFrancesco has won eight division titles, four Pacific Coast League Championships, two Triple-A National Championships, and he was named Baseball America’s Minor League Manager of the Year in 2015. DeFrancesco also managed in the majors on an interim basis for the Houston Astros’ final 41 games of the 2012 season.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Inaugural Season of Mets baseball in Syracuse and getting back to the International League,” DeFrancesco said. “Being a New York guy with our New York team, it just seems like a great fit.  Having us be so close to Binghamton, Brooklyn, and the big-league clubis great for our fans, our players, and our organization.  I’ll try to bring the sun with me for Opening Day!”

Pitching Coach Glenn Abbott is entering his ninth season in the New York Mets organization and his second as their Triple-A pitching coach. Originally from North Little Rock, Arkansas, Abbott played 11 years in the majors with Oakland, Seattle, and Detroit.

Hitting Coach Joel Chimelis held the same position last season at the Triple-A level for the Mets. Chimelis was born in Brooklyn and came to the Mets organization last year after spending 12 years with the Astros and two seasons with the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals organization.

Bench Coach Benny Distefano will begin his 10^th season in the New York Mets organization and his first season as bench coach for the Syracuse Mets. The Brooklyn native was previously the minor league outfield coordinator for New York over the last four seasons.

Athletic Trainer Grant Hufford and Performance Coach Josh Fields round out the 2019 Syracuse Mets coaching staff. Hufford is beginning his second season as a Triple-A athletic trainer with the Mets, while Fields is entering his third season as the Mets Triple-A performance coach.

The Syracuse Mets open the 2019 season on Thursday, April 4^th at NBT Bank Stadium against the Pawtucket Red Sox. For ticket information, go online to SyracuseMets.com or call 315-474-7833.