‘Boz’ returning as Wild Things manager
Bob Bozzuto will be returning this year for his ninth season as a member of the Wild Things’ coaching staff.
This will, however, be the first year that Bozzuto will return as the Frontier League team’s manager.
The Wild Things announced Friday that Bozzuto, who was promoted to manager late season, has agreed to return to the position for the upcoming season.
“I am honored and humbled to be part of such a great baseball organization. We look forward to building upon the outstanding foundation we built last year in order to win a Frontier League championship,” Bozzuto said. “As an organization we will honor our tradition, strive to excel in the present and continue to build for the future. With the support of the coaching staff, the players, and our fan base, I look forward to an outstanding 2015 season.”
Bozzuto joined the Wild Things’ coaching staff in 2006, and since then has been with the team for all but one season, serving in a variety of capacities including bullpen, infield, bench, hitting and third-base coach. He was promoted to manager Aug. 2 of last year, after Bart Zeller resigned unexpectedly in mid-July and the team then went with a “manager-by-committee” approach for two weeks.
In 30 regular-season games under Bozzuto, Washington had a 16-14 record while playing the most difficult part of its schedule. The Wild Things finished the season with a 57-39 record and a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Washington won a wild-card playoff game against Evansville, but was swept by River City in the best-of-three semifinal series.
In addition to his managerial duties with the Wild Things, Bozzuto is the athletic director at North Allegheny High School, overseeing one of the largest and most successful athletic programs in the state. He is also the chairman of the WPIAL’s baseball committee.
“Boz has been an outstanding part of our organization for several years. Last season, he took over the reigns as manager and we are excited to have him back on the bench in 2015,” Wild Things general manager Steve Zavacky said. “The team was energized by his presence and it showed with their run to the playoffs. We can’t wait for him and the rest of the coaching staff to start working and gear us towards a Frontier League championship.”
The Wild Things open their 14th season May 15 at home against the Schaumburg Boomers.