Durham Bulls Name Tamargo As New Manager

Durham Bulls

on Tuesday announced the hiring of John Tamargo as the new manager of the team.

Tamargo replaces Bill Evers, the Bulls' all-time winningest manager and the only manager the Bulls have had since making the jump to Class AAA in 1998.

Evers was named to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' major league staff by new Manager Joe Maddon earlier this month. "I've heard that this is a dream job," Tamargo said. "Everybody's told me that Durham is a wonderful place to work, the people are friendly and the fans are great. I'm excited to get there."

The Bulls made six playoff appearances from 1998-2004, including five division titles and two Governors' Cup Championships. Last season the Bulls finished with their worst record in Class AAA, finishing 65-79, 14 games behind the division-winning Norfolk Tides.

Bulls General Manager Mike Birling said he is looking forward to meeting the new skipper.

"I had a good conversation with him today and he seems like a very nice man," Birling said, "He's got a lot of experience as a player, coach and manager which will definitely be beneficial to our young players. I have no doubt he'll be a wonderful addition to the Durham Bulls family."

Since 1982, Tamargo has coached or managed at the minor and major league levels with the Mets, Astros and Brewers. He has a 15-year managerial career in the minors, including 11 in the Mets' system (1983, 1987-96) and has a lifetime managerial mark of 912-859 (.515). In 2005, Tamargo managed at Brevard County, the Brewers' affiliate in the Class A Florida State League.

From 1999 through 2004 he served as a major league coach for the Astros including three seasons as bench coach under Jimy Williams.

"John is a solid baseball man who has been successful managing at all levels of the minor leagues," said Devil Rays Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations Gerry Hunsicker. "In addition, he brings experience as a major league coach on several championship teams."

A graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, Tamargo was drafted as a catcher by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 6th round of the 1973 free agent draft. He played five seasons in the major leagues with St. Louis (1976-78), San Francisco (1978-79) and Montreal (1979-80).