PawSox pick new manager
47-year-old worked way up through Sox system
Billy McMillon has coached in Sox system since ’08
PAWTUCKET — When it comes to the Red Sox and operating in the organization’s minor- league bubble, Billy McMillon has worn many hats. From performing duties that include managing three affiliates along with serving as a hitting coach and roving coordinator, the 47- year- old certainly knows his way around the farm system.
“He’s done a lot, he really has,” said Ben Crockett, Red Sox vice president of player development.
Before Friday’s official announcement, there was one frontier that McMillon had yet to reach as a Red Sox minor-league employ- ee. With a managerial vacancy in Triple-A Pawtucket, the timing couldn’t have worked about any better as it relates to once again changing McMillon’s job description. Starting with next season, McMillon will take over the position where the previous keeper of the PawSox managerial flame – Kevin Boles – held said title over the past five seasons.
“Going to Triple-A, he’ll get a chance to round out his experiences and get a chance to make an impact at that level,” said Crockett when reached Friday.
McMillon’s journey through the Red Sox farm system started in 2008 as the hitting coach of Low-A Greenville.
He made his managerial debut in 2010 with the same Greenville team before moving to High-A Salem in 2012 and Double-A Portland in 2014. He has spent each of the past three seasons (2016-18) as Boston’s minor league outfield and baserunning coordinator. It’s a title that meant visits to McCoy Stadium, so McMillon won’t need any introductions upon setting foot inside the home clubhouse in his new capacity as the PawSox skipper.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to get back in the dugout and I’m looking forward to working with the Pawtucket organization as we continue to develop the next wave of Red Sox players,” said McMillon in a text message.
As a Red Sox minor-league manager, McMillon’s six seasons saw him compile a 440400 record (.524 winning percentage) and win two championships (2013 with Salem, 2014 with Portland). He was at the forefront of nurturing while simultaneously pushing all of the better known prospects in the Red Sox’ farm chain. McMillon’s list of current Boston contributors who played for him when he guided a minor-league club includes Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Blake Swihart, Robby Scott, Matt Barnes, and Brandon Workman.
“He’s been in a bunch of different roles and had different experiences. He’s been a really successful manager from a win-loss standpoint but more importantly from a development standpoint,” said Crockett. “He impacted a lot of the major-league players who were prospects under him that helped us in the World Series this year.”
McMillon joined the Sox following a sixyear major-league playing career that included stops with Florida (1996-97), Philadelphia (1997), Detroit (2000-01), and Oakland (200104). He was drafted by Florida in 1993 when current Red Sox President of Baseball Opera- tions Dave Dombrowski was the general manager of the Marlins. McMillon was traded by Florida to Philadelphia a few months before the Marlins captured the 1997 World Series.
With the Phillies, McMillon played for a National League club that was managed by former Red Sox dugout boss Terry Francona.
The Times/Call previously reported that the Red Sox were likely to look inside the organizational for the next PawSox manager. McMillon becomes the 17th manager in Pawtucket history.
“Anytime you’re trying to fill a position, going internal is the preference. In Billy, we’re lucky we have someone who has managed and roved in terms of teaching a specific ability,” said Crockett. “He’ll help us grow in Triple-A from a player development standpoint and the implementation of scouting material and information. We’ll continue to grow on the progress we’ve made recently.”
In compliance with moving to the front lines of the Red Sox system, McMillon will be tasked to foster an upbeat clubhouse culture in the face of frequent player movement and keep the major-league staff abreast of the inventory pool that will be dipped into whenever a need arises.
“The Triple-A staff has a strong voice regarding potential call-ups and major-league readiness,” said Crockett. “It’s definitely a different role, but I know he’s excited to get back into the dugout. He’ll have the chance to impact guys at the Triple-A level and help to mentor guys who will undoubtedly be helping us to try to repeat at the big-league level.”
The rest of the PawSox coaching staff will be announced at a later date, though it’s expected that those individuals who worked with Boles this past season – coach Bruce Crabbe, pitching coach Kevin Walker, and hitting coach Rich Gedman – will be in Pawtucket come 2019.