LINCOLN — Former Kansas City Royals hurler Dan Reichert is returning to the Saltdogs as pitching coach for the 2016 season.
Jim Haller was hired on to be the Saltdogs pitching coach in January but had to step down due to medical reasons.
Reichert, a five-year MLB veteran, began his coaching career in Lincoln in 2013, serving as pitching coach for two successful seasons before taking the same position with Southern Maryland (Atlantic League) in 2015.
“We are extremely excited to have Dan back with us for the 2016 season,” Saltdogs President/GM Charlie Meyer said. “He has been a huge asset for our pitchers and our club as a whole.”
The Lincoln arms improved dramatically under the direction of Reichert during his first stint as pitching coach in 2013-14.
The year prior to Reichert’s initial hiring, the Saltdogs pitching staff ranked 12th in the American Association with a 5.37 ERA.
In his first season as pitching coach in 2013, Reichert helped the Lincoln hurlers improve to sixth in the league with a 4.29 ERA.
Under his tutelage in 2014, the Saltdogs pitchers ranked fifth in the American Association in team ERA as the club advanced all the way to the championship series.
Without Reichert in 2015, Lincoln’s staff fell back to 12th in the league with a 5.11 ERA.
The 39-year old pitched for the Saltdogs during the 2007 campaign, going 7-5 with a 4.50 ERA.
Reichert grew up in Turlock, Calif. but has made Lincoln his home since 2007.
The right-hander played professionally for 14 seasons, including five years at the MLB level for Kansas City and Toronto. He played his final season in 2012 for Southern Maryland.
The Saltdogs open up their 2016 season on May 19 at Wichita. For ticket information call 402-474-2255 or visitsaltdogs.com.