Wearing an extra hat

In the past, Red Wing catcher Jimmy Bohmbach recuperated from the demanding nature of his position by resting between innings or grabbing a drink of water before he stepped into the batters box.

"Now I won't have that," he said.

Bohmbach's new duties as player/manager will require him to work through what used to be his down time.

"It's definitely going to be different," Bohmbach said. "Everyone is going to be looking at me if there is any kind of decision to be made, even a simple base running (play)."

That could be overwhelming to say the least.

"In a way that's where I come in," Aces pitcher and assistant manager Andy Gibart said. "It's not necessarily going to be a burden on one person. We're kind of doing this managing thing together."

Said Bohmbach of the help he will receive from the longest tenured Ace, "That will go a long way."

Gibart said that he and Bohmbach have talked every day for the past two months in preparation for the season.

"We don't really know what to expect going into it," Gibart said. "It's new for both of us."

However, being involved in Red Wing baseball isn't new for the Bohmbach family. Jimmy's father, Jim, managed the Aces when Jimmy started playing for the club. Jim, a former Aces player himself, currently manages the Red Wing High School baseball team.

"It's a natural transition for Jimmy to step up (and manage)," Gibart said.

Bohmbach's uncle, Jay, was called "the best catcher who's ever been involved in amateur baseball in Minnesota" by former Aces manager Dan Plein. Another uncle of Jimmy's, Kelly, also played for the Aces.

"I grew up at the Athletic Field over the summers watching my dad and my uncle play," Jimmy Bohmbach said.

Bohmbach said his dad, Plein and former Aces player/manager Corey Tauer have already offered their help if needed.

"There definitely won't be a shortage on getting some opinions when needed," Bohmbach said.

He added that he and his dad have already had discussions about high school players that have the ability to play with the Aces.

Tauer noted that the most difficult part of the transition is shifting from an individual focus to a team focus.

"(As manager) the last thing you are doing is thinking about yourself. You are thinking about everybody else on the roster," Tauer said. "I think as it goes on he'll be comfortable with what he is doing."

Bohmbach's first game as the player/manager is Saturday in Zumbrota against Pine Island.

Tags: sports headlines, red wing, proam, baseball, aces