Bill Buckner Named Boise Hawks Hitting Coach
Published on December 30, 2011 under Northwest League (NWL1)
Boise Hawks News Release
CHICAGO, Ill. - The Chicago Cubs have rounded out their minor league coaching staffs, announcing this afternoon that Bill Buckner will serve as hitting coach for the Boise Hawks.
Buckner, a resident of Eagle, returned to coaching last season as the manager of the Brockton Rox, leading the team to a 51-42 record in the independent CanAm League, earning the squad a postseason berth. He will replace Desi Wilson, who will serve as Class-A Daytona's hitting coach.
"We are extremely excited in the Cubs decision to have Bill Buckner as our hitting coach," said Todd Rahr, Boise Hawks president/general manager. "To have someone local on the staff, who had such a great career, will be beneficial to our organization. Bill had a Hall of Fame caliber career and we look forward to working with him year round. It will definitely be a treat."
Buckner rejoins the Cubs system for the first time since playing for the big league team from 1977-84 - winning the 1980 National League batting crown and earning a spot in the 1981 All Star Game. The 22-year veteran served as the Chicago White Sox hitting coach in 1996 and 1997, while also serving as a hitting coach in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system.
Buckner played in 2199 major league games with the Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, and Royals, hitting .289 with 174 career home runs and 1,208 RBI. He played in a pair of World Series' - in 1974 with the Dodgers and 1986 with the Red Sox.
Three others return to the Hawks for the 2012 season - manager Mark Johnson, pitching coach David Rosario, and trainer Bob Grimes. Johnson skippered last season's squad to a 36-40 record, including Boise's first postseason berth since the 2006 season.
The Hawks, in their 12th season as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, open up the 2012 Northwest League season on June 15 at Salem-Keizer, with their Memorial Stadium opener on June 20 against Eugene. Season, mini-pack, bonus books, and group nights for Hawks' games are available at 322-5000 or online at www.boisehawks.com.
Northwest League Stories from December 30, 2011
- Bill Buckner Named Boise Hawks Hitting Coach - Boise Hawks
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