(Greensboro, NC)  Edwin Rodriguez made a return visit to the Gate City this afternoon, this time, as a manager. 

In 1982, Rodriguez patrolled the infield of War Memorial Stadium for the then Greensboro Hornets on his way through the New York Yankees farm system.  Today, twenty-five years later, he made his first public appearance at First Horizon Park as the Grasshoppers new manager for the 2007 season.

"This is a beautiful city and ballpark, and I'm excited to be in Greensboro," said Rodriguez.  "We're going to make things happen this season." 

Edwin will be joined on the bench by hitting coach Anthony Iapoce, pitching coach John Duffy and athletic trainer James Stone.

Entering his fourth season in the Marlins organization, Edwin spent the past two seasons as the manager for the rookie-level Gulf Coast Marlins, guiding them to an overall 53-54 record.  In 2004 he served as the hitting coach for the Marlins Double-A Carolina Mudcats.

Rodriguez began his professional career with the New York Yankees after being signed in the 1980 amateur draft. He made his major league debut on September 28, 1982 with the club and was traded to the San Diego Padres in 1983.  He played with the organization through 1985.