NEW YORK — Lenny Dykstra knows he'll fade into the background once the initial fascination over his becoming a minor-league manager ends. But Dykstra doesn't plan on toiling in near-anonymity for too long.

        “You guys won't hear about me for a few years,” said Dykstra, the former All-Star center fielder who agreed to a two-year contract to manage the Reds' Single-A California League affiliate in Stockton. “But four years from now, you'll be writing about me again.”

        Dykstra, 37, tossed ceremonial first pitches Thursday night at Shea Stadium along with other Mets heroes from their 1986 world championship season. He considers joining the Reds organization an ideal start to fulfilling his aspirations of managing in the majors.

        “I wanted to do it the right way. I know I have to put my time in,” said Dykstra, who suffered chronic back problems and couldn't play after the 1996 season. “You can't expect because you were a decent player in the big leagues that you can be handed a job.”

        Dykstra, who said he turned down opportunities to serve as a coach in higher minor-league classifications, initially will be helped by former Reds manager Russ Nixon, who also pilots the rookie-league Billings squad.

1975 World Series: Game 5 Dykstra wants to work his way up

First victory, first loss motivate Akili
Browns Scouting Report
More honors for Dillon
Warrick says he's better blocking
DAUGHERTY: Fans hard to find for UC football
Martin's homecoming tonight
UC's Rosfeld is a real bell-ringer
Yankees win third straight title
SULLIVAN: This old team is one for the ages
Mariners make offer to Piniella
Complete prep football coverage at Enquirer.com/prepfootball
Playoff spots come down to wire tonight
Steve Shuck's playoff projections
High stakes for Walnut Hills, West Hi
New offense boosts Anderson
Turnaround could turn into playoff berth for Winton
Blanchester's goal: Unbeaten season
N.Ky. teams warm up for playoffs
Girls soccer tournament roundup
4 N.Ky. teams in state volleyball tournament
Highlands runners lead regional meet

• Return to Reds front page...