Tony “Whitey” Carmona is back in a Reno Zephyrs uniform just two months after deciding to retire as a player.  The 36 year old will be taking over as the Reno manager for the 2025 season.

Carmona was introduced as the new manager in a surprise press conference.  “Whitey” will take the reins from Eugene Brown who is being promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager.

“I was somewhat surprised to get the job.  I consider it to be such an honor,” Carmona said. “I’m extremely excited and thrilled.  This is truly a dream come true.”

The terms of the deal have not been released but it reported to be far less than the 216 million dollar deal he signed as a player.

Carmona was one of the most feared hitters in the game for a brief time before age and years of catching caught up with him.  The Zephyrs front office was impressed by Carmona’s hard work, accountability and discipline.  He has been described as a true competitor who has the mental toughness to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Carmona played 9 seasons for the Zephyrs and before that he played 9 seasons in the San Juan Winter League.  His career has been one of great accomplishment.  The real question is will he be able to transition to the role of manager?

“I can’t tell you how great it is going to be to have ‘Whitey’ as our manager,” Ramón Leach said after the announcement was made public.  “He has always been a team guy and he will bring a player’s perspective that should help some of our young guys flourish.”

Current Reno manager Eugene Brown will be promoted to the role of assistant general manager to make room for the new skipper.  Brown only served one season as the manager for the Zephyrs.  He has a reputation as an excellent baseball mind and will be a valuable addition to the Reno Front Office.

Carmona has always been a fan favorite in Reno.  However, he will inherit a team that hasn’t seen a winning season since 2020.  When he came to Reno as a player, he helped usher in an era of 4 straight playoff appearances.  Can he bring the same kind of magic as a manager?