Scott Thorman was tabbed as the fifth manager in Northwest Arkansas Naturals history on Friday as the Kansas City Royals announced the 2020 field staffs for all of their minor league affiliates.
The 38-year-old gets promoted after managing the Class A-advanced Wilmington Blue Rocks to the Carolina League title -- its first since 1999. Thorman is entering his sixth season as a manager in the Royals organization. He also guided Class A Lexington to the South Atlantic League title in 2018.
He also earned the Dick Howser Award in 2018 given annually to the Royals' most outstanding player development person.
Prior to managing, he played professionally for 12 years including a Major League stint with the Atlanta Braves in 2006 and 2007.
Joining Thorman on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals' field staff is Doug Henry, whom returns as the pitching coach, while Abraham Nunez is back as the team's hitting coach. Certified athletic trainer Justin Kemp will continue in his role while newcomers Tony Medina (Development Coach) and Luis Jeronimo (Strength and Conditioning) will round out the 2020 field staff.
Northwest Arkansas' new skipper along with Alec Zumwalt, Director of Hitting Performance/Player Development for the Kansas City Royals, are scheduled to be in attendance at the Naturals' Hot Stove Luncheon, which will be held from noon until 1 p.m. Jan. 20 at The Apollo on Emma in Springdale.
Preps Sports on 01/11/2020