(Reading, PA) – R-Phils newest manager Al Pedrique’s journey in professional baseball, and ultimately to Reading, nearly never happened.

Pedrique, a native of Venezuela, came to the United States in 1978 as a 17-year-old. He signed with the New York Mets, but his professional career didn’t start out quite how he intended. A bumpy beginning made Pedrique consider quitting baseball to return home not just once, but twice.

“I was home sick,” Pedrique said. “My manager in Little Falls, New York, talked to me and helped me out. They helped changed my mind. I am glad I listened to them because I am 62 and have been in the game for 45 years. I realized I had a dream and wanted to reach it, so I knew it was going to take a lot of sacrifice and hard work.”

If there is anyone who knows first-hand about sacrifice and perseverance, it’s Pedrique. He played parts of 17 seasons in Minor League Baseball and did not make his Major-League debut until 1987, nearly ten years after signing with the Mets.

Spending 17 years playing professional baseball, with most of them being in the minors, is not for the faint of heart. Pedrique accumulated both countless lessons and memories during his playing days. Many of those lessons are the ones he’s bestowed upon his players during a long-coaching career.

Pedrique’s coaching tenure has now spanned longer than his playing career. But the themes he holds true to remain the same as they were when he played. He always works hard to take care of his players and fellow coaches, as well as have a strong relationship with the front office, fans and more.

“One thing that stuck with me from my time playing is you must be able and want to help people no matter what,” Pedrique said. “I realize my job is to make these players better, the same way my coaches did during my playing career.”

His coaching career has been a long and winding journey. Pedrique’s managerial experience has included stops within the Diamondbacks, Astros, Royals, Yankees, Athletics and most recently Marlins’ systems.

Pedrique has enjoyed success with some of his recent organizations. He led the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins Triple-A) to a postseason appearance in 2021. Additionally, he won a Triple-A Championship with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Yankees) in 2016.

Not to mention, Pedrique also had a brief stint as a Major League manager. He served as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ interim manager to finish the 2004 season.

“The one experience that stands out is I got to manage at the biggest level,” Pedrique said. “I worked with players like Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez and so many more.”

Pedrique will now take his extensive and impressive baseball resume to Reading for the 2023 season. The process that brought him to Reading, and the Phillies organization, connected many dots for Pedrique. Preston Mattingly is the Phillies Minor League Director. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Preston’s dad is Don Mattingly, Pedrique’s former boss and the manager of the Marlins in 2022.

Pedrique was the third-base coach for Miami last season. He cites Don as a “great gentleman and baseball man,” adding that he learned a lot from Don when working with him.

“The knowledge that Don has for the game is amazing,” Pedrique said. “Sitting down and talking with him helps you learn a lot. He had great communication with the coaching staff and lets you do your work and trusts you.”

His interview for the Reading position included a meeting with Preston. Not long after Pedrique’s interview, he found out he would have a chance to work closely with another Mattingly in 2023.

“Preston told me ‘If you want the job, it’s yours,’” Pedrique said. “I am very excited about coming to the organization.”

Pedrique brings plethora of knowledge and experience to Reading. The Phillies organization is littered with exciting prospects, many of whom will get the opportunity to learn from an incredible-baseball man in Pedrique.

While Pedrique has learned different ways to approach the game strategically, he understands the importance of being a players-coach first. For every in-game decision, there are the off-the-field conversations to be had, such as the one in 1978 that kept him in professional baseball.

“What is beautiful about this game is you learn something every day,” Pedrique said. “I have worked with different organizations who have different philosophies and different ways to do things.

“The most important thing I learned is you treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Pedrique is also excited about immersing himself within the Reading community. He has family and friends who have been to Reading before and Pedrique has heard amazing things about the town. One thing he also recognizes is the importance of forging relationships with everyone in the organization, more than just the players and coaches.

As a manager, he wants to “respect the game,” in addition to “playing hard with respect for the organization.”

“It is very important for me to build a relationship with the front office,” Pedrique said. “The people involved with the team and the fans are a huge part of the process.”

While there remains a lot of work between now and opening day on April 7, Pedrique is excited about playing in front of the Reading fans. But he never forgets the journey that ultimately led him here to Reading.

“I’m lucky with all of these years involved with the game, I have worked with great people, great players and have had people around me that helped me a lot,” Pedrique said.

Ultimately, it was one conversation in 1978 that helped shaped Pedrique’s journey. Now, he brings 45 years of trials, tribulations and much more to Reading. It is an experience, and story, he cannot wait to share with his players, fans and the entire organization.

Come catch Pedrique and the R-Phils all season long. Reading's home opener is Tuesday, April 11 at 6:45, against the Hartford Yard Goats. Single-game tickets go on sale in March, but the best way to secure tickets right now is by purchasing a mini plan or ticket book. Get your tickets by calling 610-370-BALL or by visiting rphils.com!