BRISTOL, Va. — As Bristol White Sox manager Bobby Thigpen relaxed in his office on Wednesday following his team’s first official workout at DeVault Stadium, he admitted he feels much more relaxed entering his second season as manager.
“No doubt,” Thigpen said. “Last year, it was a last minute thing and I was kind of thrown in the fire so to speak. I wasn’t sure what all the managerial duties entailed. I found out in a hurry during extended spring training last year.
“I was used to watching just half the game as a pitching coach and a pitching guy. As a manger, you have to watch every pitch and everything that’s going on. It was an eye-opening experience. The biggest thing this year is I’m more at ease and have a better understanding.”
Shortly before he arrived in Bristol on Tuesday, Thigpen’s family received some big news. Thigpen’s son, Robbie, recently signed to play baseball at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City. The younger Thigpen hit .397 as a senior at Shorecrest High School in St. Petersburg, Fla.
“He had a good senior year,” Thigpen said. “If you could pick a whole year for a senior to have that was it. He played football and did well. He had a good baseball season. He just enjoyed his last year and a had a good time.”
Thigpen compiled a 25-43 during his first season on the Bristol bench. The team will hold its second workout today at DeVault Stadium. Bristol’s season opener is set for June 17 at home against the Johnson City Cardinals.
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