Former Beach Bums manager Langbehn hired

A day after the Washington Wild Things moved manager Bob Bozzuto into a front office position, they announced the hiring of Gregg Langbehn as Bozzuto’s replacement for the 2016 season.

Langbehn is the ninth manager in Wild Things history, and the seventh in nine years.

Langbehn managed the Traverse City Beach Bums from 2008-13, compiling a 267-212 record and took them to the Frontier League championship series in 2010.

“I am excited to become the manager of the Washington Wild Things upon my return to the Frontier League,” said Langbehn. “I look forward to working with the front office staff as we prepare for the 2016 season and continue to assemble our roster in our quest of returning the Wild Things back to the postseason.”

Langbehn’s most successful season came in 2012, when the Beach Bums went 64-32 and Langbehn was named the Frontier League’s Manager of the Year.

“As we began our search, Langbehn stood out above all the others,” general manager Steven Zavacky said in a news release.

“He comes with experience and most importantly, with both knowledge and success in the Frontier League. He will be a great addition to our team.”

The 46-year-old Langbehn was an 11th-round draft pick by the New York Mets in 1998 and played in the minor leagues for the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers. He reached as high as Class AAA. Langbehn was a left-handed pitcher who had a 48-43 record and 3.32 ERA in the minors. The Schofield, Wisc., native finished his playing career in 1995 with Pawtucket of the International League.

Prior to managing in the Frontier League, Langbehn coached and managed in the Houston Astros organization. He spent the last two years as replay coordinator for the Cleveland Indians.

Bozzuto compiled a 58-68 record after being named manager Aug. 2 of the 2014 season. The Wild Things advanced to the league semifinals that year. Bozzuto was on the Wild Things’ coaching staff in 10 of the last 11 seasons. He submitted his resignation as manager in October. His new responsibilities with the team have not been announced but he will report directly to ownership.