PHOENIX — After firing Bob Melvin, the Arizona Diamondbacks have turned their fortunes over to a 34-year-old former catcher with no experience as a manager.

A.J. Hinch was introduced as Melvin's replacement as manager yesterday at a news conference, where general manager Josh Byrnes acknowledged the hiring was "unconventional."

"He brings unique leadership and perspective to the job," Byrnes said. "We're not here to reinvent the wheel, but to change the nature of the job a little bit? OK, we'll do that. A.J.'s a leader. He connects with people. He gets things done."

Hinch, who has a degree in psychology from Stanford, was in his fourth season as the Diamondbacks' director of player development. He becomes the youngest manager in the majors since Eric Wedge was hired by Cleveland in October of 2002.

OBITUARY

Dominic DiMaggio: The bespectacled Boston Red Sox center fielder who was overshadowed by his older brother Joe's spectacular career died early yesterday at his Massachusetts home, according to his wife, Emily. She did not give a cause of death but said that DiMaggio had been ill lately. He was 92.

The oldest of the three center field-playing DiMaggio brothers was Vince, who had a 10-year major league career with five National League teams. Joe died in March 1999, while Vince died in October 1986.

ELSEWHERE

Cubs: Chicago third baseman Aramis Ramirez dislocated his left shoulder diving for a grounder in the third inning of last night's game at Milwaukee. He came in hitting .369 with four homers and 16 RBIs.

Tigers: Detroit left-hander Dontrelle Willis rejoined his teammates yesterday for the first time since going on the DL because of anxiety disorder in spring training. Willis is scheduled to start for the Tigers in Minnesota on Wednesday.