Courtesy of HornellDodgers.com
Hornell Dodger founder Tom Kenney will return to the organization this summer and serve as the team’s head coach. Kenney who has served in almost every capacity with the Dodgers over the years except as head coach will look to lead the Blue & White to the playoffs during the franchise’s 20th season.
Hornell Dodger general manager Paul Welker is excited to be able to turn to Kenney after finding out just this week that expected head coach Jake Tenhouse was unable to return to Hornell in 2013. “I am extremely excited that we were able to convince Tom to take the head coach position. To be able to have a coach with his baseball knowledge and expertise lead our team in 2013 is not only a great thing for the guys on our team, but it is awesome to have a person that has meant so much to our franchise’s history return to an active role in the organization.”
“I have coached with Tom for many years at Alfred State and he is one of the top baseball minds in our area. He has the ability to get more out of players than most coaches. It is great to have him on our team this summer, and I am excited about what lies ahead once the games get started.”
Kenney was the long-time coach at Alfred State where he led the Pioneers to 646 wins, five Region III titles, and five Western New York Athletic Conference titles during his tenure. He was named Region III Coach of the Year six times.
Kenney has long ties to the NYCBL. He helped found and coached the Cohocton Red Wings before leaving the Red Wings to form a community group that started the Hornell Dodgers in 1994. In his tenure as team General Manager and President the Dodgers established the reputation of success that the program continues today. He also served on the NYCBL Executive Board as league president for many years. Kenney was also a pivotal part of the Athletes in Action franchise entering the NYCBL.
Prior to taking over the baseball program at Alfred State, Kenney coached at SUNY Brockport following the completion of his playing career.
“Tom has jumped into this coaching position head first the past couple of days as we have transitioned our plans for the 2013 season. I believe that with Tom at the helm of our team we will be very competitive and be very fun to watch.”
Kenney hopes to finalize an assistant coach in the next few days as the team is busy preparing for their season opener on June 6th when they host the Niagara Power.
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