Rick Wise returns as pitching coach;
Butch Hobson to manage Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Von Hayes is the new manager of the Barnstormers. He was selected from a top-notch field of candidates, which included former Lancaster skipper Tom Herr.
“I can’t imagine a better place than Lancaster to manage in minor league baseball,” Hayes said in a team statement.
“The facilities and the organization are first class, and I am truly excited to be back in the Philly area. I’m looking forward to working with the veteran professionals in the Atlantic League and giving them every opportunity to get back to Major League Baseball. Our coaches and players will be as committed to winning as our front office for our loyal fans whose support and enthusiasm I have heard so much about.”
Keith Lupton, the team’s head of baseball operations, said there were a few factors that pushed Hayes to the top of the list. He was highly recommended by his past employers. He was a former member of the Phillies. He represented a fresh start for the organization.
“We got outstanding reports from other places about him,” Lupton said. “They said, ‘We’ll take him back in a minute.’ We were impressed with that.”
Hayes’ credentials are tough to match. He managed for four seasons in affiliated ball, two in Single-A and two in Double-A. He won championships in both the California League and Texas League and was named manager of the year in both places.
To read more about Hayes, check out these interviews:
As expected, Rick Wise is returning. He has verbally agreed to a new contract and will serve as Hayes’ pitching coach. The team will also name a hitting coach, although no timetable has been set for that announcement.
Hayes becomes the fourth manager in Barnstormers history. Herr went 139-127 and won a championship in his two seasons. Frank Klebe was 32-41 before being fired on July 22. Wise posted a 25-28 mark while filling in on an interim basis.
Although he was a late addition to Lancaster’s search, Hayes ultimately vaulted above all of the men who wanted this job — including Herr, Butch Hobson, Wally Backman and Gary Carter. Hayes had the perfect combination of experience, past success and fan appeal.
Hobson has been named manager of the expansion Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
