New manager announced for Wichita Wind Surge
Jan 22, 2025
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- The Wichita Wind Surge is getting its second manager in the franchise's history. The Minnesota Twins announced that Brian Dinkelman will take over leading the Twins' Double-A affiliate.
Brian Dinkelman (Courtesy Minnesota Twins)
He replaces Ramon Borrego, who was promoted to the Twins Major League staff.
Dinkelman has managed High-A Cedar Rapids for the past five seasons and led the team to four playoff appearances. In 2023, he earned Baseball America Minor League Manager of the Year honors after guiding the Kernels to a 78-58 record and the Midwest League Championship. He has a career record of 367-286 (.562) as manager.
Before becoming manager, Dinkelman served as the hitting coach for Cedar Rapids from 2016-18. He started his coaching career with the GCL Twins in 2015. As a player, he was drafted by the Twins in the eighth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft and played eight seasons in the Twins organization from 2006-2013. In 2011, the Illinois native made his MLB debut and played 23 games for Minnesota.
Wichita’s Riverfront Stadium gets a new name
These are the other Wichita Wind Surge staff announcements:
Pitching coaches:
Ryan Ricci enters his second season in the Twins organization and first season with the Wind Surge. He spent last season as the pitching coach for Single-A Fort Myers. Under his guidance, the Mighty Mussels’ arms posted a 4.13 ERA, fifth best in the Florida State League. Before joining the Twins organization, Ricci coached in the college ranks, most recently serving as pitching coach for George Mason University in 2023.
Jesus Sanchez enters his third season with the Twins organization and first season with Double-A Wichita. A native of Venezuela, he spent the 2024 season coaching with the Florida Complex League Twins. He racked up 410 strikeouts over a 15-year minor league career from 2008-2022, making it as high as the Triple-A level.
Hitting coaches:
Andrew Cresci comes to Wichita after spending the past three seasons in the Astros organization. In 2024, he served as hitting coach for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Houston’s Single-A affiliate.
Yeison Perez enters his eighth season with the Twins organization and his second in Wichita. He played five seasons of minor league baseball in the Seattle Mariners and Twins organizations.
Strength and conditioning coach: Meagan Vota
Head athletic trainer: Chase Thompson
Assistant athletic trainer: Asja Morello
Baseball technology coordinator: Chase Carder returns for his third season.
The team opens the 2025 season at Springfield on April 4. The home opener at Equity Bank Park will be Tuesday, April 8, against the Midland RockHounds.