Inside the Revolution Complex in Jenkins Township Greg Legg along with former pro pitcher Ron Chiavacci works on baseball fundamentals with several young players at the Pro Staff Baseball facility. It's this love for the game that's kept "Legger" going in the Phillies system as a player, coach, and manager for 35 years.
"It's going to be to be there. It is a great atmosphere as good as I've had in any minor league ballpark either as a player or as a coach. My first full year in pro ball that's where I was, so I am looking forward to it so it should be exciting," said Greg.
Legg managed the Phillies high "A" Clearwater Threshers to an (82-54) record last season. That talent will follow him to AA.
"We'll it will help me I know exactly what they can do and what they can't and what we need to get them better at. And they will be comfortable with me, and they know exactly what I expect they should be relaxed and able to perform to the best of their abilities," said Greg.
Reading also blossomed under manager Dusty Wathan another former Scranton/Wilkes-barre Red Baron player. The Fightins went (89-52) and had the top two home run hitters in the Eastern League. Dylan Cozens with 40 and Rhys Hoskins hit 38 home-runs.
"We're all pulling from the rope in the same direction and we're growing as an organization. I look for us to be strong in the big leagues soon," added Greg.
Legg's best season in pro ball probably came in 1992 with the Red Barons and manager Lee Elia. That season the club went (84-58) and lost to Columbus in the Governor's Cup championship series.
"That was a year to remember. We got treated like gold. They rolled out the red carpet for us. We had a two run lead going into the bottom of the 8th in Columbus. If we win we win it all. We let it slip away. It didn't happen," again said Greg.
Legg helped develop guys like Ryan Madson, Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard in AA. That development led to the Phillies winning the National League pennant in 2008 and 2009 and their 2nd World Series title in 2008. Steve Lloyd reporting for Newswatch 16 sports in Luzerne County.