Former Major Leaguers in the Minors
By: Amanda Lippert of www.baseballstadiumreviews.com
Minor League games, either affiliated or independent are perfect chances for fans to get up close and personal to former major leaguers. Not only do minor league games feature some of tomorrow's brightest talent, but also yesterday's former stars as well. Some critics like to think of independent leagues as containing "washed up" Major Leaguers, but I like to think of it more as a second chance to see some great talent.
Let's start out with the Atlantic League. Fans who go to watch the Somerset Patriots will be treated to a few familiar faces. The manager of the Patriots of Sparky Lyle, former Cy Young award winner. Two pitchers, Scott Williamson and Bill Pulsipher are on the Patriots roster. They both have Major League experience. Williamson has 11 years of Major League experience, while Pulsipher made 17 starts with the New York Mets in 1995.
Just a couple hours from Somerset, fans can journey to Long Island to catch a Long Island Ducks game. The manager of the Ducks is former New Yori Mets shortstop, Kevin Baez. The Bench Coach for the Ducks is also a former Met, Bud Harrelson. Harrelson managed the Mets in 1990 and 1991.
Just a couple hours from Long Island, in Bridgeport, CT, fans can see the manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish, Willie Upshaw. Upshaw was a first basement for the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians. In 1983, he was the first Blue Jay to hit 100 RBI's in a season.
Out in York, PA, Corey Thurman and Matt DeSalvo are pitchers for the York Revolution. Thurman pitched two seasons for the Toronto Blue Jays and De Salvo pitched for the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees.
Just a short drive from York to Lancaster, fans can see former Major Leaguer, Butch Hobson manage the Lancaster Barnstormers. The Pitching Coach is Marty Janzen. Outfielder Jose Herrera, former Oakland Athletic is on the Barnstormers roster.
Can.-Am. League
One of the coaches of the New Jersey Jackals is former Major League catcher, Ed Ott. Below is a picture of Ott managing the Sussex Skyhawks last season.
The Newark Bears roster features some familiar faces as well. The manager of the Bears is Tim Raines. Raines was a seven time All-Star who spent 13 seasons with the Montreal Expos. The Bench Coach is Ron Karkovice. Karkovice was a catcher with the Chicago White Sox for 11 seasons. He is best known for hitting an inside-the-park grand slam at the Metrodome in Minnesota. The Pitching Coach is Jim Leyritz. Leyritz is best remembered for his 6 seasons with the New York Yankees in which he displayed his heroics in game 4 of the 1996 World Series when he hit a three-run homer to tie the game, enroute to a Yankee comeback.
Tim Raines managing the Newark Bears.
Red Sox fans can catch a glimpse of Bill Buckner who will be managing the Brockton Rox this season.
Dave LaPoint was recently announced as manager of the expansion team, the Rockland Boulders. LaPoint pitched in the Majors from 1980-1991. He played for the Yankees in 1989-1990.
Other Notable MLB Alumni in the Can-Am. League:
Quebec- Pete LaForest
Pete LaForest
Frontier League
The manager of the Normal Cornbelters is Hal Lanier. Lanier is a former Major League player and manager.
Other Notable MLB Alumni in the Frontier League:
Washington Wild Things- Mark Dewey- Pitching Coach
Gateway Grizzlies- Randy Martz, pitching coach
Traverse City Beach Bums- Gregg Langbehn- manager
Windy City Thunderbolts- Rob Mackowiak- hitting coach
Note: Keep in mind this information was taken from rosters from March 19, 2011. Therefore, if you are venturing out to see one of these former players, check the teams' current roster to make sure the player is still listed.