Beach Bums Coaching Staff Returns Intact
February 24, 2011 - Frontier League (FL)
Traverse City Beach Bums News Release
TRAVERSE CITY, MI- The Traverse City Beach Bums are excited to announce the return of the entire East Division champs coaching staff, including Jason Wuerfel, for the 2011 season.
Beach Bums Manager Gregg Langbehn has accepted a two-year contract extension bringing him back to Traverse City through the 2012 season. Langbehn started his stint in Traverse City in November of 2008 after managing in the Houston Astros organization for 10 years.
"We are excited to have Shannon, Matt and Jason returning to the Beach Bums staff for the 2011 season. The amount of work Shannon and Matt put in last season truly paid off. Additionally, the rapport they had with the players certainly made a difference as well. They are always willing to go above and beyond what is asked of a coaching staff," said Manager Gregg Langbehn, "Adding Jason to the staff in uniform full-time is going to make quite a difference as well. Typically he would join us in early August, so having him on board from start to finish eliminates the phone call away theory. We will be able to coordinate face-to-face which makes things easier for everyone. Overall, having stability to a staff can go a long ways as we continue our pursuit for a Frontier League Championship."
After a disappointing season in 2009 going 42-53, Langbehn worked tirelessly during the off-season in conjunction with Jason Wuerfel, Vice President and Director of Baseball Operations, to make sure the 2010 season would be a success. With only two returning players from the 2009 roster Langbehn built a new team and had to teach not only skills but also a dynamic of team chemistry, and that's just what he did. The Beach Bums finished the 2010 season in second place in the East Division behind the Windy City ThunderBolts, giving them their first playoff berth in their five year history. They advanced to the Championship Series against the River City Rascals before eventually losing the series three games to one.
Shannon Hunt, 44, came to Traverse City last year with 18 years of collegiate and professional baseball experience, most recently as the Director of Baseball Operations for the Arizona Winter League. This league serves as a scouting and developmental league run by the independent Golden Baseball League. "I am honored and excited to return to the Beach Bums in 2011," said Hunt, "last year was phenomenal for me personally; I fell in love with Traverse City, the people there and our team. Not to mention the incredible staff that I worked with, and the family atmosphere that is created from the top down. The expectations are high for 2011 and I know how hard Gregg and Jason have worked to raise the bar to bring a Championship for this community. I am sincerely honored and encouraged to be a part of this organization."
His coaching resume is impressive with five years under his belt as head coach of El Paso Community College (2005-2009) as well as two seasons as the pitching coach and assistant field manager of the Yuma Scorpions in the Golden Baseball League (2007-2008). Before El Paso, Hunt served as the hitting coach for New Mexico Highlands University (2004-2005) and Shasta College (2001-2004). Hunt claims 15 years of professional scouting experience for the Detroit Tigers (1992-2001) and the San Francisco Giants (2001-2005). As a player, Hunt attended Lewis Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. Later he signed and played professionally for two seasons within the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants farm systems.
Infield and catching coach Matt Pulley debuted in his professional coaching career with the Beach Bums in 2010 after finishing playing career with the Evansville Otters. As a rookie, Pulley brought along with him extensive experience as both a player and instructor. Pulley was drafted in the 12th round of the 2003 MLB draft as a 3rd baseman right out of Woodland High School in California. During his five seasons in the Orioles farm system in 2003-2007, he was converted into a part-time catcher along the way. Although he did not play in 2008, he returned to action in the Frontier League with the Evansville Otters in 2009. Pulley makes his offseason home in Noblesville, Indiana where he has provided instruction in hitting, catching and infield play at Roundtrippers Baseball Academy for the past five years.
"I am excited to be returning to the Beach Bum's coaching staff for my second season," says Pulley, "From the fans to the ballpark, the organization that John and Leslye Wuerfel operate in Traverse City is first class and it is a privilege to be a part of. Being a first year coach last season, I couldn't have asked for a better manager and mentor than Gregg Langbehn. Gregg's superior knowledge of the game has helped me transition from player to coach. I am looking forward to another successful season with the Beach Bums in 2011."
Director of Baseball Operations Jason Wuerfel will also make a return to Wuerfel Park for the entire 2011 season. In previous years, other coaching commitments have pulled Wuerfel from the Beach Bums after spring training and kept him away until the last few weeks of the season. This year, he is joining Langbehn's staff and will be a consistent influence throughout the year. The Beach Bums were 18-4 with Wuerfel in the dugout helping to clinch the first ever playoff berth for the organization in their five year history
Wuerfel is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned four varsity letters in baseball and won the 2003 Wolverine Award for Spirit and Leadership. After college, Wuerfel's professional career included stints with the Elmira Pioneers, Mid-Missouri Mavericks, and the Ohio Valley Redcoats. He also owns and operates the Beach Bums Baseball Academy, which offers a variety of ways to help area youth learn the game of baseball. He is the founder of Five Tool Prospects, an online baseball community that helps promote the athletic careers of high school and college baseball players.
Jason lives and works in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the off-season managing the Indianapolis Baseball Academy. Jason's wife, Sarah, graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in May, 2007, and now is a clerk for Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
The Traverse City Beach Bums members of the Frontier League, an independent baseball league with teams in seven midwest state. The Beach Bums are entering their sixth season of play in 2011 ADN. Season tickets are now on sale. The Beach Bums will be playing their season opener at Wuerfel Park on a FANtastic Fireworks Friday, May 27, 2011. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m with gates opening an hour prior. Please phone 231-943-0100 for more information.
Frontier League Stories from February 24, 2011
- National Gold & Silver Refinery Introduced as 10th Season Presenting Sponsor - Washington Wild Things
- Beach Bums Coaching Staff Returns Intact - Traverse City Beach Bums
- Wild Things Sign Catcher Blake Ochoa - Washington Wild Things
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