Aces Hire Lichtenstein as Manager

Published on February 19, 2003 under Central Baseball League (Central League)
Alexandria Aces News Release


The Alexandria Aces announced the hiring Wednesday of 32 year-old R.C. Lichtenstein as field manager for the 2003 season. Former Aces infielder Robert Hewes, 27, was also named third base coach.

Lichtenstein was most recently a pitching coach in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. As pitching coach for the Helena Brewers (Pioneer League), Lichtenstein's staff led the league in ERA and fewest hits allowed while compiling a 47-28 won-lost record. He also developed Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year Jose Mieses.

His work in Helena led to a promotion to the Beloit Snappers (Midwest League) in 2000, where he worked with No. 1 draft pick and Midwest League all-star Mike Jones as well as major league pitchers Jeff D'Amico, Mark Leiter and Kyle Peterson who were sent to Beloit on rehab assignments. Lichtenstein's Beloit clubs set several staff pitching marks en route to both the 2000 and 2001 Midwest League Playoffs.

Lichtenstein also possesses significant independent professional baseball experience. As field manager and director of baseball operations for the DuBois County Dragons (Heartland League) he was instrumental in the signing and development of outfielder Jim Rushford, who reached the major leagues in 2002 with the Brewers.

As a player, Lichtenstein spent a single professional season with the Merrillville (Ind.) MudDogs (Mid-American League), finishing among the league leaders in ERA and strikeouts while being selected to the all-star team. He also served as pitching coach for the MudDogs.

"I am excited about this opportunity, and look forward to meeting the fans in Alexandria very soon." Lichtenstein said. "We are aware of the tradition and intend to continue the winning ways of Aces' baseball.

Lichtenstein is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he also served as a coach from 1992-95. He has also authored one book, "Preparing to Win, the Complete Pitcher" and an instructional video by the same title. Both the book and video will be available this season at Bringhurst Field.

Former Aces' standout infielder Robert Hewes has accepted a coaching position with the ballclub for the 2003 season. Hewes, who led the Aces to back to back League Championships in 1997 and 1998, has decided to begin his professional coaching career in the city in which he enjoyed so much success as a player.

"We are excited to have Robert in an Aces uniform once again." team president Steve Spielman said. "He approached us about managing or coaching and we knew immediately that we wanted Robert to remain a part of Aces' baseball. He will be a valuable asset in so many ways.

A four time all-star with the Aces, Hewes also played in Taiwan in 2000 and with the Texas Rangers' class A affiliate in Savannah, Ga., in 2001.

Hewes was a standout infielder at Northwestern State University, leading the Demons to the 1997 conference championship, with a .355 batting average. He finished his career in the top ten in 16 career and season offensive school records. Hewes has remained an active part of NSU baseball after graduation.

The Alexandria Aces are celebrating their 10th Anniversary at Bringhurst Field this season. The Aces are charter members of the Central Baseball League, one of the premier independent professional baseball leagues in the country.

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Central Baseball League Stories from February 19, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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