News Story - Idaho State Journal

POCATELLO - Mitch Stachowsky doesn't have the hitting pedigree that Pocatello Runnin' Rebels head coach Ron Wright does, but that's not why he was tabbed as the AA squad's assistant coach.

Instead, Stachowsky carved a reputation as a superb defensive catcher during his minor league career with the Boston Red Sox, and he figures he has plenty to teach the Rebels' catchers and pitchers.

''You can't throw a pitch unless we call a signal,'' Stachowsky said. ''We have to be more in tune with everything going on on the field.''

The Red Sox drafted Stachowsky in the 50th round of the 2003 draft, and the Highland graduate and College of Southern Idaho product then spent the next three seasons toiling in the minors.

Stachowsky's batting average never topped .236 at any of his stops, but his defensive prowess earned him a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket (R.I.) at the end of the 2005 season.

Along the way, he picked up helpful pointers from Red Sox legends like Carl Yastrzemski and Dwight Evans, an experience he knows can only help his coaching career.

''I learned a lot, and I wouldn't trade it for the world,'' he said. ''Hopefully, I can pass on what they gave me to the kids.''

This document was originally published online on Monday, June 02, 2008

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