Mike Sarbaugh of the Akron Aeros is named the 2009 Eastern League Manager of the Year
September 2, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1) News Release
Portland, ME - The Eastern League of Professional Baseball is pleased to announce that Akron Aeros manager Mike Sarbaugh has been selected as the 2009 Eastern League Manager of the Year. In his second season in Akron, Sarbaugh has led his club to a league-best record of 83-53 (.610) and a fifth consecutive postseason berth. The Aeros have already clinched a first place finish in the Southern Division standings and currently have an 11.5 game lead over second place Reading. Mike is joined on his coaching staff with the Aeros this season by hitting coach Lee May Jr., pitching coach Ruben Niebla, athletic trainer Michael Salazar and Strength and Conditioning Coach Todd Kubacki.
Sarbaugh, who was selected by Baseball America as the "Best Managerial Prospect" in the Eastern League this season, started his managerial career in 2004 by winning the New-York Penn League Championship with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Mike moved up to manage the Lake County Captains in 2005 and was the skipper for the Kinston Indians in 2006 and 2007 prior to his promotion to Akron last season. In addition to winning the championship with Mahoning Valley in 2004, he also won the Carolina League title with Kinston in 2006 and was selected as the Carolina League Manager of the Year in 2007. Mike has a career managerial record of 449-321 (.583) over six seasons. Prior becoming a manager, Sarbaugh spent five seasons as a coach with the Kinston Indians and Columbus RedStixx (1995-99) and four seasons as an Akron Aeros coach (2000-03).
Sarbaugh, who resides in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania with his wife Nicole, their sons Michael and Matthew and their daughter Marin, graduated with a degree in Kinesiology from Lamar University, where he was also an All-Southland Conference shortstop. He signed with the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 1989 before spending the final five seasons of his playing career with the Indians, while also playing every position except centerfield and catcher. Sarbaugh hit .265 in his minor league career and did not allow a run in four innings as a pitcher.
Connecticut manager Steve Decker finished second in the voting for the Manager of the Year Award and Erie skipper Tom Brookens finished in third place in the voting. The award was voted on by respective Eastern League team managers and coaching staffs, sportswriters, radio and television broadcast personnel and other members of the media.
The announcements of the winners of remaining the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Award will be made on Thursday, September 3rd and the Eastern League Most Valuable Player Award will be made on Friday, September 4th.
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