Memphis coaching staff back intact for 2011 season

*Left to right: Manager Chris Maloney, Hitting Rover Mark DeJohn and Hitting Coach Mark Budaska

MEMPHIS, TN – Manager Chris Maloney will return to Memphis to manage the Redbirds for the fifth straight season in 2011.

Maloney led the ‘Birds to their second consecutive Conference title this past season with a series sweep of Oklahoma City. The former Mississippi State Bulldog is 290-284 in four seasons with the Redbirds.Joining Maloney will be pitching coach Blaise Ilsley and hitting coach Mark Budaska, who both return to Memphis for their fourth season. Ilsley’s pitchers posted a 4.42 ERA for an 82-62 overall 2010 record, a Pacific CoastLeague-best. Budaska coached the hitters to their best batting average since 2009 with the team hitting .272 last season. Athletic Trainer Chris Conroy will also be back in the Redbirds dugout for his seventh year in Memphis.

The Redbirds begin their 12^th season at AutoZone Park in April. They will take on the Oklahoma City RedHawks Thursday, April 7^th at 7:05 p.m to kick off their Pacific Coast League home schedule. For ticket information visit memphisredbirds.com or call (901) 722-0299.