Nov. 29, 2011

ROCHESTER, Mich. -Tim Penz and Damon Lessler have joined the Oakland baseball staff as assistant coaches for the 2011-12 season, head coach John Musachio announced on Tuesday. The two new additions bring experience playing and coaching at a high level.

"Both of these coaches bring a great amount of knowledge and experience to the table," said Musachio. "They will each be valuable in helping our team perform at its peak during the season."

At Oakland Penz will work with the team's outfielders and serve as a bench coach. Lessler will work with the catchers and also assist with base running and hitting.

Lessler comes to Oakland after a successful professional career. Domestically, he played with the Sioux Falls Canaries, Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks and the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) as well as the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League. He also played abroad in Germany, Sweden and Australia. Lessler also worked as a head coach for the prestigious NorCal Baseball program.

"Damon brings a wealth of baseball playing experience to the staff," said Musachio. "He is a high-energy guy who will be counted on for strong coverage in multiple areas."

In addition to his professional success, Lessler was a solid student-athlete, earning valedictorian honors at Mississippi Valley State University. He then earned his master's degree in sports administration from Southern Mississippi. Lessler also played two years with the distinguished Mesa Community College baseball team, while earning his associate's degree.

Penz is well-known at the local level, having coached both high school and travel baseball. He has worked as an assistant coach at Troy Athens High School since 2005. He has also served as a head coach for the Michigan Muddogs in Federation Baseball from 2004-08.

"I have known Tim for a long time," said Musachio. "He is someone I know and trust and I am thrilled to have him join our staff. He has coached for over 20 years and will be a steady and reliable voice for our young men."

For Penz, his baseball coaching career began in 1984 when he headed the Lamphere High School junior varsity team and also worked as an assistant varsity coach from 1985-89. During that time he continued to build his resume working with a number of different teams as both a head coach and pitching coach for a number of Federation Baseball teams. A proven leader, Penz has also been a top coach in the youth basketball ranks.

The two new coaches will join Musachio and assistant coach Matt Plante as they prepare for the 2012 baseball season. For the most up-to-date information on the team check back at OUGrizzlies.com.

-OAKLAND-