MIDLAND, Texas — The Midland RockHounds announced their 2024 field staff on Tuesday, naming the new manager, Gregorio Petit, ahead of the 2024 season.
Petit is a former Rockhound infielder who played for the club in 2007 before making it to the big leagues, hitting .306 in 66 games and flashing his defensive skills. Most recently, Petit managed Stockton Ports, an Oakland Athletics Single-A affiliate, in the California League in 2023.
The new leader at the helm also has experience coaching in Double-A action in the Texas League. Following his 16-year playing career (2003-2018), his first coaching stint came with the Houston Astros' Double-A affiliate in 2021 and 2022.
The 39-year-old Venezuela native originally signed with Oakland as an international free agent in 2001 at just 16 years old and made his Major League debut in 2008.
Petit spent parts of six seasons in the majors, hitting .249 with four home runs and 35 runs batted in (RBI) in 197 games while playing middle infield. He played with the following teams: A's, Astros, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins.
Joining Petit on the staff is Pitching Coach Paul Abbott, Hitting Coach Juan Dilone, Assistant Hitting Coach Darryl Kennedy, Athletic Trainer Eric Fasth and Sport Performance Coach Jake Kistaitis.
The RockHounds return to action April 5 at Corpus Christi. The home opener is set for April 9 when the 'Hounds host the Amarillo Sod Poodles at Momentum Bank Ballpark.