Major League Experience Anchors Pioneer Baseball League Dugouts in 2026

The Pioneer Baseball League (PBL), an MLB Partner League, continues to underscore its role as a player development league with a stellar lineup of former Major League players managing and coaching its 12 member clubs.

"As the Pioneer League is perfectly positioned as the foremost player development league in professional baseball, we are very proud that our young players are getting the best opportunities to advance their careers in pro ball with the pedigree of our managers and coaches," said PBL President Mike Shapiro. "The PBL clubs are dedicated to giving each player all the tools necessary to advance up the ladder to MLB organizations, and the depth of MLB experience among our coaching staffs is the key factor influencing our efforts on behalf of the talented young players in the league."

There are 15 former MLB players in managing and coaching positions within the PBL, including those previously selected as All Stars, with World Series experience, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award winners, and World Series MVPs.

"The Pioneer League is a place for young prospects to progress their skills and test themselves against the next level of baseball in large part because of all the former MLB stars in managing and coaching positions," said former MLB standout, current Oakland Ballers Manager, and the 2025 PBL Manager of the Year, Aaron Miles. "Because of this great coaching talent in the league, I see players on each team every year that can play in the big leagues if they realize their potential by following the teaching and experience of all the incredible coaches this league attracts."

Among the former MLB managers and coaches in the PBL are:

Billings Mustangs
Dennis Rasmussen is a former MLB left-handed pitcher. He played 11 seasons in MLB from 1983–1995, appearing in 256 games with a 91–77 win-loss record, 835 strikeouts, a 4.15 ERA, and 1,460.2 innings pitched. Rasmussen debuted on September 16, 1983, and played for the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals during his career. He now serves on the coaching staff of the Billings Mustangs.

Glacier Range Riders
Todd Pratt is a former MLB catcher who played 15 seasons from 1992–2006 for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves. Over his career he recorded a .251 batting average with 49 home runs and 224 RBIs in 1,612 MLB games played.

Glendon Rusch is a former MLB left-handed pitcher whose career spanned 12 seasons from 1997–2009 with the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies. He appeared in 342 MLB games, with a 67–99 record, 1,088 strikeouts, and a 5.04 ERA in 1,477.1 innings pitched.

Jesse Crain is a Canadian former MLB relief pitcher who played 10 seasons, debuting in 2004 with the Minnesota Twins and later pitching for the Chicago White Sox. Over his big-league career, Crain posted a 45–30 record with a 3.05 ERA and 440 strikeouts and was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2013.

Great Falls Voyagers
Darren Ford is a former MLB outfielder who appeared in 33 major-league games with the San Francisco Giants during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.


Idaho Falls Chukars
Les Lancaster is a former pitcher who played seven seasons from 1987–1993 with the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and St. Louis Cardinals. In his MLB career, he posted a 41–28 win-loss record with a 4.05 ERA across 323 appearances.

Bob Milacki's big-league career spanned 1988–1996 with the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Indians. Milacki compiled a 39–47 record with a career ERA near 4.50 while starting and relieving over eight MLB seasons.

Billy Butler is a former MLB first baseman and designated hitter who played 10 seasons from 2007–2016 with the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees. Butler finished his MLB career with 147 home runs, 728 RBIs, and a .290 batting average, and was selected as an All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner in 2012.


Long Beach Coast
Jerome Williams is a former MLB pitcher who played 11 seasons from 2003–2016 across eight MLB organizations, including the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Troy Glaus is a former MLB pitcher for the Angels, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Braves. He is a three-time All-Star and the 2002 World Series MVP with the Angels.

Troy Percival is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played 14 seasons from 1995–2009, primarily with the Anaheim/California Angels. A four-time MLB All-Star and the Angels' all-time saves leader, Percival recorded the final out of the 2002 World Series championship.


Oakland Ballers
Aaron Miles is a former MLB infielder who played nine Major League seasons from 2003–2011 with the Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Miles was part of the 2006 World Series champion Cardinals.


Modesto Roadsters
J.T. Snow is a former Major League first baseman who played 17 seasons from 1992–2008 with the New York Yankees, California Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox. A six-time Gold Glove Award winner, Snow retired with 189 home runs, 877 RBIs, and a .268 batting average.


RedPocket Mobiles
Dmitri Young is a former MLB first baseman and outfielder who played 11 seasons from 1996–2007 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Young was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2007 and finished his career with a .296 batting average, 121 home runs, and 637 RBIs.

Ray King is a former MLB relief pitcher who played 11 seasons from 1996–2006 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, and Florida Marlins. King made over 300 big-league bullpen appearances over his career. "Mentoring young players and helping them pursue their big-league dreams has become my calling," said Dmitri Young, "I'm excited to continue that journey with the RedPocket Mobiles."