The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Low-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, announced their coaching staff for the upcoming 2022 season, led by returning manager John Shoemaker.
Shoemaker enters his second season as the skipper of the Quakes, after leading Rancho Cucamonga to a South Division crown and a 67-53 mark last season and picking up his 1600th career managerial win.
“I’m really looking forward to another season with our team in Rancho,” Shoemaker said in a statement. “The Dodgers and Quakes have a strong relationship and I’m happy to be a part of it. We’re all hoping for a fun and safe year in 2022. Can’t wait to get there!”
While Shoemaker is heading into a second season as manager, the Quakes coaching staff only includes one other returning member in former Dodgers pitcher Ramon Troncoso, who also is back for his second season.
Troncoso will split duties with fellow pitching coach Durin O’Linger, who joins the staff for his first season and third overall in the Dodgers organization. O’Linger was signed by Boston in 2017 as an undrafted free agent, appearing in 35 career Minor League games.
As for bench coach, Shoemaker has Daniel Nava to fill that roll. Nava comes to Rancho for his first stint with the Quakes. He appeared in 589 games over seven seasons and played for five teams, including the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox.
A familiar face is putting on a Quakes’ uniform for the second time in his career, as former power hitter O’Koyea Dickson returns to Rancho. The former 12th-round pick out of Sonoma State reached the Majors with L.A. in 2017.
Joining the Quakes for their first year in Rancho Cucamonga are performance coach Taylor Miller, athletic trainer Ikuo Kato and video associate Garrett Gastfield.
Quakes thrilled by Shoemaker’s return
Shoemaker has worked throughout the Dodgers organization since 1981, including multiple stints for the Great Lakes Loons, where he served as their manager in 2018 and 2019 after a previous tenure from 2011-2012.
“We’re honored to welcome “Shoe” back to Rancho Cucamonga for 2022,” Quakes vice president and general manager Grant Riddle said.
“Shoe’s dedication on the field to his players and staff last year was special to watch. His thoughtfulness for our fans and this community off the field was equally incredible and we feel grateful to have him back.”
Shoemaker was originally selected by the Dodgers in the 35th round of the 1977 Draft. He played four seasons in the Minors before beginning his coaching career in 1981 as the hitting coach for Vero Beach of the Florida State League.
“Shoe,” as he’s known around the Dodgers, was named “Captain of Player Development” in 2015, for displaying “superior teammate behavior over his coaching career,” according to then-director of player development Gabe Kapler.
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