What a difference a year made for Central Coast legend Robin Ventura. Last year at this time, the Arroyo Grande resident was an assistant coach for the Arroyo Grande High varsity baseball team. This year, he is starting his first season as the manager of the Chicago White Sox. KSBY Sports caught up with Ventura recently in Arizona, where the Chicago White Sox hold spring training camp.

After a ten year absence from major league baseball, Ventura is back in black with the White Sox. The former All-Star third baseman is a few weeks into his first spring training as a big league manager. “There are moments when you’re like you figure out you’re the one making those decisions, that’s the fun part,” said Ventura.

Robin is enjoying his new role filling out lineup cards, throwing batting practice, working with prospects and interacting with fans. “The first couple of days it seemed odd but then after that it felt like I never really retired. It’s like what i was used to and the days were normal of what you really remember,” said Ventura.

The Righetti High graduate quickly gained the respect of his players, including former Cal Poly star Brent Morel, who is slated to be Ventura’s starting third baseman. “It’s been nice to have him and the whole staff that he brought with him. We’re all excited to work with him and try to pick his brain a little bit,” said Morel, a second year player. “He was such a great player for a long time we’re hoping he carries that over into managing.”

The biggest difference between being a player and a manger Ventura says is having to wrap his brain around every aspect of the game, as opposed to just his individual performance on the field.

The White Sox are 5-11 as of Monday evening in spring training. Robin admits he doesn’t like losing even exhibitions. More importantly though he sees the team coming together and he expects the White Sox to be contenders in the fall. “You kind of like winning games but it’s the not most important thing right now. The most important thing is getting these kids ready for the season. Pitchers, hitters, we want everybody to be ready for opening day and that’s the main focus.”

The 44 year old Ventura is the focus of many in the baseball world and on the Central Coast because the franchise’s face of the 90′s is back where he says he belongs.

The White Sox open the season April 6 at the home of the Texas Rangers.

Ventura spent the first 10 seasons of his 16 year big league career with the White Sox. He finished his career with 294 home runs, 1,182 RBI, 18 grand slams and six Gold Glove awards.