WILLIAMSPORT -- First-year manager Dusty Wathan knows all about playing in minor league baseball, having had a career that spanned over 14 years. He draws on his experiences in the minors -- as well as being the son of former major league catcher John Wathan -- to teach his players.

"It's like starting all over again," said Wathan, set to begin his term as the Williamsport Crosscutters manager tonight. "You're looking through a different window, you can remember being there and what was going through your head at that moment. Now I'm on the other side."

Wathan's time in the minors has helped give him perspective when dealing with a young career just starting, or watching an old career come to an end.

"These young players have to realize this is their job now," said Wathan. "Older players have to know this could be the end."

Wathan was a nondrafted player in 1993 and worked his way into the Seattle Mariners minor league system. From there he went on to play in over 1,000 career games. His longest stint with an organization -- the Mariners -- lasted from 1994-2000. After parting ways with Seattle he bumped around from team to team until 2002 when the Kansas City Royals called him up for three games. Wathan went 3-for-5 in his major league career.

That experience, along with being raised by a former major leaguer, helped Wathan, who now faces the unique task of dealing with a team full of players just out of college. Typically, a player destined to play in the majors will be picked up prior to his senior year.

"Not very many seniors are going to make it to the majors," said Wathan. "The older guys should be a little more prepared. They shouldn't be in as much awe as the younger guys."

The Phillies trust Wathan with the development of younger players through his experiences with the franchise. Wathan played for the Phillies' minor league system from 2006-2007.

"They told me I know how to play the game," said Wathan. "They knew I played hard and they wanted me to bring that to the team. It will be one of those jobs I'll learn on the fly."

Wathan emphasized the importance of understanding the ups and downs a player will face in the extended season.

"Playing every day is a grind," said Wathan. "You can point to the schedule all you want, but until you get out there and play you have no idea how demanding the season can be."

The Crosscutters open the season tonight at Mahoning Valley at 7:05; the home portion of their season starts Friday at 7:05 when the Jamestown Jammers travel to Bowman Field.