Blasters Name Manager
January 12, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Joplin Blasters News Release
JOPLIN, MO- The Joplin Blasters have tabbed former Major League player and veteran manager Carlos Lezcano as Field Manager to lead the Blasters in their inaugural 2015 season.
"I am extremely excited to be joining the Blasters' organization and can't wait for the inaugural season in Joplin," said Field Manager Carlos Lezcano. "I want to thank the Suarez family and entire ownership group for giving me this opportunity. I know that there is a spotlight on us, and I look forward to putting a strong team on the field every night that the fans of this community can be proud of."
Lezcano, a native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, comes to the Blasters with an extensive background in baseball. He starred at Florida State University before being signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1977. A career OF, he made his major league debut on April 10, 1980 as the Cubs' opening day starter in CF. Lezcano spent 7 seasons in the minor leagues and amassed over 561 hits in 604 games with a career .264 batting average. He spent the majority of his career with the Cubs, but also spent time in Detroit and Oakland's organizations.
Lezcano's second act in baseball came as a field manager, when he took over Seattle's rookie league affiliate in 1992. Since that season he has been a managerial fixture with 21 seasons of experience tallying 1,012 victories and a winning percentage of .525 in affiliated baseball. He has managed for four different organizations, Seattle, San Francisco, Milwaukee, and San Diego where he led their high-A affiliate for five seasons. He has also managed in the Mexican League, the Puerto Rican Winter League, and the American Association.
"After a lengthy process that saw numerous qualified applicants, we are tremendously excited to have Carlos aboard and to lead our team on the field," said Shawn Suarez, GM of the Joplin Blasters. "He possesses an outstanding track record in professional baseball, and is the right person to lead the Blasters in this new age."
A formal introductory press conference with Lezcano will be coming at a later date, once he concludes his coaching duties in the Texas Winter League.
The Blasters are the newest member of the South Division in the American Association of Independent Baseball. They will play a 50 home game schedule beginning in May of 2015 at a renovated Joe Becker Stadium, and will be a major entertainment destination for the Four States Community. Ticket information, as well as, general information on the Blasters can be found online at www.joplinblasters.com or by calling (417) 437-6105.
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