Mustangs Announce Full Coaching Staff

BILLINGS, Montana – One day after announcing former Major League pitcher Dennis Rasmussen as pitching coach, the Mustangs have named former independent-league veteran and San Francisco Giants hitting coach Craig Maddox as hitting coach. Together, they will assist the team’s new 2023 field manager, Billy Horton.

Rasmussen, 63, was a first-round draft choice of the California Angels who went on to pitch twelve years in the major leagues. During that time, he compiled a 91-77 won-loss record with a 4.15 ERA. His best season came in 1986, when he led the New York Yankees staff with a record of 18-6 and was second in the American League in hits per nine innings with a rate of 7.12 (trailing only Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens). Rasmussen went on to pitch for the Reds, Padres, Cubs, and Royals before retiring after the 1995 season. He then served as a pitching coach in both the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox organizations, beginning his coaching career in the Pioneer League with the Butte Copper Kings. He most recently served as pitching coach for the MLB Draft League Frederick Keys.

“I look forward to coming back to the Pioneer League and Billings by celebrating our 75th Anniversary with a Pioneer League Championship!” said Rasmussen.

Maddox, 37, played his college ball at Southeastern University, where he led his team to three consecutive NCAA national titles. Originally signed by the Detroit Tigers, Maddox played in the minor leagues for farm teams of both Detroit and the Atlanta Braves before playing in four different independent baseball leagues from 2008-19, which included an American Association championship with the 2013 Gary SouthShore RailCats. He retired as a player after the 2019 season and immediately went into coaching. He served as a hitting coach in the San Francisco Giants’ minor league system in 2021 and 2022, working exclusively with their rookie league affiliate, the AZL Giants Orange, in 2022. Maddox is known for his ability to help players improve the mechanics of their swing and teach a more disciplined approach at the plate.

“I’m thrilled to accept a coaching role with the Billings Mustangs,” said Maddox. The energy around the team Billy Horton is putting together is contagious, and I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to work with this talented group of players and bring another championship to Billings.”

“Dennis and Craig are both teachers of the game and that’s one of the main reasons I selected them to be on our staff,” said Mustangs manager Billy Horton. “Their blend of playing and coaching is extremely valuable and I’m excited to work with them this summer.”

“For many young players, the Pioneer League is the first rung on the ladder to the major leagues” said team owner Dave Heller. “That’s why we’ve been especially focused on surrounding our players with some of the best teachers in the game. Billy Horton, Dennis Rasmussen, and Craig Maddox are all great teachers; they know where to find and how to train and develop the next generation of MLB players right here in Billings. I’m excited to see them work their magic and help develop the next generation of major league players while hopefully leading the Mustangs to another Pioneer League championship.”

ABOUT THE MUSTANGS: Winners of the Pioneer League’s Jim McCurdy Cup for its demonstrated excellence on and off the field for the second time in three seasons, the Billings Mustangs kick off their third season as an MLB “Partner League” club on Tuesday, May 23rd, at Dehler Park against the Missoula Paddleheads. The season’s first homestand continues through the Memorial Day weekend as the Mustangs host the Paddleheads for six games, concluding with an afternoon game on Sunday, May 29th, when all veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and active-duty military will be able to attend for just $1.00. Please isit www.BillingsMustangs.com and follow the Mustangs on social media for ticket information, team news and more.