After three seasons in Bowie, Komminsk looks forward to the next challenge

Brad Komminsk can probably tell you a lot about Portland, Reading, Akron, Erie and New Britain. He visited those cities in six of the last nine years as an Eastern League manager, first in Akron for the Indians from 2002-04 and the last three years for the Orioles with the Bowie Baysox. But after three winning seasons in Bowie, Komminsk will take the job as Norfolk Tides hitting coach in the Triple-A International League for the 2011 season. "As much as I loved Bowie and the staff and fans were great the last three years and the players were great to work with, it's time for a change and to try something different," Komminsk said. "They kind of approached me with this and I'm looking forward to the challenges. Had three good years in Bowie. I'd like to manage at Triple-A someday. But it was probably time to get out of the Eastern League. I'd been in that league six years, so it's time for a change of pace." Had Gary Allenson not accepted the O's offer to return to manage the Tides next season, Komminsk very well could have had that job. Norfolk figures to have one solid staff with pitching coach Mike Griffin returning to join Allenson and Komminsk. "I like it here," Komminsk said. "The Orioles have treated me very fairly and they've been good to me. I think we are turning the corner with a good, young nucleus." Komminsk went 84-58 with Bowie and was named Eastern League manager of the year in 2008. The next season, the Baysox went 73-69 and they just missed the playoffs last summer at 75-67. Three of his six Eastern League clubs made the playoffs and he led Akron to 88 wins and the 2003 league championship. Komminsk served as a batting coach before in 1997 and 98 with Triple-A Toledo for the Tigers and with Clearwater in the Phillies' farm system in 2007. Finally, Happy Thanksgiving today to readers of this blog and O's fans everywhere. This has become a fun place for O's debates and discussions and I always enjoy reading your thoughts and comments. You guys and gals have helped make this a popular destination for O's news and for that I am very thankful. I hope everyone has a wonderful time today with family and friends!