Washington Wild Things hire new manager Tom Vaeth

The Washington Wild Things have found their next manager in Tom Vaeth, who was a longtime assistant for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association.

Washington also announced the hiring of pitching coach Alex Bosher in a news release Wednesday.

“Tom brings a wealth of knowledge from his time in the American Association and carries that demeanor to reach for more,” Wild Things president and general manager Tony Buccilli said. “I am eager to work with him and his staff to make an immediate impact in 2021. We will continue to bring an exciting brand of baseball that resonates with fans.”

Vaeth becomes the 10th manager in team history. He replaces Gregg Langbehn, who resigned Monday as the second-winningest coach in organization history.

Vaeth spent time managing in the California Winter League and also served on an interim basis in Winnipeg, which is where he spent most of his coaching career. For 17 years, Vaeth served as an assistant for the Goldeyes in one way or another. He worked in player procurement, acted as a base coach, was a hitting coach, and also was a bullpen coach.

During his time in Winnipeg, he oversaw numerous American Association all-stars, league leaders and award winners. He also was part of 10 playoff appearances and three championship teams. In his first full-time managerial role, Vaeth is looking to have the same type of success in Washington.

“I would like to thank the ownership and front office staff for giving me this opportunity. I am extremely humbled and grateful to join such a class organization,” Vaeth said in a statement. “Over the years I have watched the Wild Things organization become a premier destination in baseball, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of their history and tradition going forward.”

Vaeth was in the running for the manager position with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association. But, now Vaeth is in Washington and he’s ready to continue a storied tradition of Wild Things baseball.

Bosher, who is receiving his first coaching job in professional baseball, appeared in 23 games for Winnipeg in 2018 and started 21. He led the team in starts and appearances that season while throwing 121 2/3 innings. He also spent time with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association league.

After this past season was canceled because of concerns surrounding the covid-19 pandemic, the Wild Things are looking to rebound from their 2019 season when were 37-59 and finished last in the East Division.

The Wild Things won their first East Division championship since 2007 in 2018 and were also within two runs of winning the first Frontier League title in franchise history that same year.