Cecil Fielder Tabbed As New Atlantic City Surf Manager
February 26, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Atlantic City Surf News Release
Atlantic City, N.J. - The Atlantic City Surf, member of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, have announced former major leaguer Cecil Fielder as the club's new field manager in a press conference today.
Fielder spent 13 seasons in the major leagues from 1985 to 1998 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels and Cleveland Indians. He also played one season with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japan Central League. One of the top 100 home-run hitters in major-league history with 319 round-trippers, he also made three All-Star Game appearances (1990, 1991 and 1993). Fielder's 51 home runs for Detroit in 1990 marked the first 50-homer season for an American Leaguer since Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle accomplished the feat in 1961. He led the majors in RBI from 1990 to 1992, and is the only Detroit Tiger to ever hit over 25 home runs in six consecutive seasons (1990-1995).
Fielder appeared in the playoffs in three seasons (Toronto-1985, New York-1996, New York-1997), and hit .391 during the 1996 World Series.
The Los Angeles native made his managerial debut with the Charlotte County Redfish of the independent South Coast League last season. His son, Prince, the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year, is a first baseman with the Milwaukee Brewers.
"I'm excited to join the Surf organization," Fielder said. "This is a great opportunity, and we're putting together a team that will give one hundred percent every night. I'm looking forward to managing in such a strong baseball area, and we're working to bring another championship to Atlantic City."
Fielder, 44, is the fifth former major-leaguer to manage the Surf, after Doc Edwards, Tommy Helms, Mitch Williams and Jeff Ball. He replaces Chris Carminucci, who will remain as club president and oversee the team's business operations. "Chris has done a tremendous job on and off the field since joining the Surf last season. It only makes sense for us to use Chris's leadership skills to lead the entire organization, not just between the lines," Surf Managing Partner Mark Schuster said.
"We put a lot of time and effort into choosing the right candidate, and Cecil is the perfect fit for our organization. His background and knowledge of the game give him instant credibility with our players and fans, " Carminucci added. "One of the main
attractions for me to come off the field was the opportunity to become a minority ownership partner in the Surf, as it has always been a dream for me to own and operate a club."
The Atlantic City Surf open their 2008 Can-Am League home schedule on May 26 against the league's newest member, the Ottawa Rapids. Season and single-game tickets are available by calling the Surf ticket office at (609) 344-7873.
Canadian American League Stories from February 26, 2008
- Can-Am League adds Cecil Fielder as manager; Skyhawks trade Dittfurth - Sussex Skyhawks
- Cecil Fielder Tabbed As New Atlantic City Surf Manager - Atlantic City Surf
- US Sports Camps/Nike Baseball Camp Announces Agreement With Skyhawks - Sussex Skyhawks
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