Today the sports news outlets and San Diego media have been reporting that Jayce Tingler will be the next Manager of the San Diego Padres. An official announcement has not been made, and probably won’t until after the World Series is over.
I have followed the baseball career of Jayce Tingler since he was in high school in Smithville, Missouri. I could see the field that he played on from my front porch.
Jayce first played for the University of Missouri before being drafted by the Blue Jays in the 10th round in 2003.
Jayce first played at Pulaski in the Appalachian League before he received a promotion to Auburn in the New York/Penn League.
I already had a business trip scheduled to Skaneateles, New York which is only about a 15 minute drive from Auburn, so was able to watch him play there.
After the game it was nice to see him signing items for the kids at the game. After he finished packing his equipment we had a chance to talk about his experience so far in the minors.
He also signed my ticket and it has been hanging in my home office since.
The next year Jayce played for the Dunedin Blue Jays and I bought a set of cards from their store.
Jayce was then selected by the Texas Rangers in the Rule 5 draft in 2005 and was assigned to Bakersfield in the California League.
I was excited as I knew that I would probably get to see him play at either Modesto or Stockton. With a busy travel schedule I only got to see him play in two games at Modesto before he was promoted to the AA Frisco, Texas team.
I was able to go to a game at Modesto with a good friend of mine. He had his young son with him. We had a great time and it was great to see Jayce again interact with a young fan.
Jayce retired from playing near the end of the 2006 season and then began his coaching career with the Rangers.
Jayce Tingler is a natural coach and leader, which I first noticed when I saw him playing sports back in Smithville. He also has a good coaching background as both of his parents were coaches at Smithville.
I have followed his coaching career and he has done well wherever he has coached or managed.
I am excited for him as he steps up to this new challenge.
Good Luck Jayce!
Steven
Braman's Wanderings 