Wild Things give manager Langbehn extension through 2021
Holly Tonini/For the Observer-Reporter
Gregg Langbehn had the Wild Things one win away from a title in 2018.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Gregg Langbehn
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Wild Things manager Gregg Langbehn and Windy City manager Ron Biga meet before the start of a game.
The Washington Wild Things have enjoyed a resurgence on the field under manager Gregg Langbehn, who guided the team to within one victory of a Frontier League championship last season.
The Wild Things announced Tuesday that Langbehn has agreed to a contract extension through the 2021 season.
A Wisconsin resident, Langbehn jammed his foot in the Wild Things’ revolving door of managers in 2016 – they had seven managers in the previous nine years – and has managed the team to a 153-134 record, one East Division title and a pair of postseason appearances in three years. Both Washington’s division title and championship series appearance last season were its first since 2007.
“One of our offseason priorities was to extend Gregg’s contract,” said Wild Things general manager and vice president Steve Zavacky. “He has come in and created a culture that the players buy into. The stability he has brought the organization is a reflection of his work ethic and desire to win. With his lead, we will continue to contend and engineer a quality product that our fans can be proud of. We look forward to many more years, wins and division titles with Gregg at the helm.”
Last season, Langbehn helped develop center fielder James Harris, who won the Frontier League’s Most Valuable Player Award, and Thomas Dorminy, who was the Pitcher of the Year. In Langbehn’s three seasons, Washington had 19 Frontier League all-stars and seven players signed by major league organizations.
Prior to joining Washington, Langbehn was manager of the Traverse City Beach Bums in the Frontier League. His 420 career victories rank eighth in league history.
The Wild Things’ 2019 season begins May 9 at River City. The home opener is May 17 against Lake Erie.