The third manager in Wingnuts history, Rose played professionally for 21 years before beginning his coaching career in 2010 as the hitting coach for the Florence Freedom. After one year with the Freedom, Rose was hired by the Chicago White Sox, who made him the manager of their rookie-level affiliate in Bristol, Virginia. Rose spent two seasons with Bristol, compiling a 43-90 record. For the 2013 campaign, the White Sox assigned him to their other rookie-level affiliate in Great Falls, Montana. In his lone season with the Voyagers, Rose led the club to a 48-28 record, a second half division title, and a Pioneer League playoff berth. The following season, Rose moved up to Class-A Kannapolis and led the Intimidators to a 62-75 mark in what was his last that season with the White Sox organization.

The son of Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader, Rose was selected in the 12th round of the 1988 draft by the Baltimore Orioles. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native made it to the big leagues with the Reds in 1997, making his major league debut on September 1 of that season, one of 11 career Major League appearances.

Rose led the Wingnuts to a 61-39 record and their fourth Championship Series appearance in five years in his first season at the helm.