KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City T-Bones and manager John Massarelli have announced the club’s coaching staff, including two returning coaches, and a new assignment for 2014. Massarelli added Dave Schaub to the staff, joining Bill Sobbe and Frank White, each of whom returns for a third season with the team.

“I’m excited about the makeup and mix of our coaching staff,” said T-Bones vice-president and general manager Chris Browne. “I know Mazz and our staff have already been in discussions regarding 2014 and the new overall team philosophy. I am looking forward to the spring.”

Schaub, who’ll coach third base, was on Massarelli’s staff at Lake Erie during 2009-12. A Canton, Ohio, native, Schaub spent six years as an assistant varsity coach at Canton Central Catholic High School. He played collegiately at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was part of two 40-win seasons and four NCAA regional berths.

“He’s been with me since before day one in Lake Erie, so he understands the type of players I like to put on the field,” Massarelli said. “On the field he incorporates the type of pregame program I like to run to prepare the players for that night’s game. He’s a big help to me in all areas of the game, including player procurement.”

Sobbe joined the T-Bones as bench coach before the 2012 season. In 2014 he’ll take over as the team’s pitching coach, replacing Andy Shipman, whose contract was not renewed after last season. For 20 seasons, 1984-2003, Sobbe was the Kansas City Royals bullpen catcher, working with some of the club's best pitchers, including Bret Saberhagen, Mark Gubicza, Danny Jackson, Dan Quisenberry and Jeff Montgomery. Sobbe played three seasons, 1979-81, in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, reaching Double-A in ’81. Sobbe, who’s been an educator in the Kansas City area since 1982, spent more than 15 years in the Park Hill School District as a coach, athletic director and assistant principal, before retiring in 2013.

“Bill and I see eye to eye on the type of players it takes to win,” said Massarelli. “He’s excited about his expanded role to pitching coach, which he’s obviously qualified to do based on his background with the Royals. Since he’s been around this league for a couple years, he’ll be a big asset in various ways. I’m excited to work with him.”
 
White, a Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame player, returns for his third season as the T-Bones first base coach. White enjoyed an 18-year playing career, 1973-90, when he established himself as one of the top second basemen in baseball. He was an eight-time Gold Glove Award winner, the MVP of the 1980 ALCS, and batted cleanup during the 1985 World Series. White’s coaching career began in 1992 in the Boston organization. He was the Royals first base coach from 1997-2001, and then managed Double-A Wichita from 2004-06.

“Having Frank on this staff is wonderful for the players, of course, but also for me,” said Massarelli. “I look forward to working with him and getting any help that he can provide. I’m excited about picking his brain and using his years of knowledge to help our club.”

Additionally, the T-Bones baseball support staff remains intact from 2013. Josh Adams returns for his eighth season as the team’s trainer. After joining the club in 2013, Andrew Hornbeck will be the clubhouse manager, John West will be the equipment manager, and Jimmie “Hooty” Wade will be the club’s bullpen catcher.