Bluefish Name Tommy John Manager
Published on December 17, 2006 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
Bridgeport, CT- Nov 17, 2006 Bill Larsen, General Manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish, announced today that Tommy John has been hired as Field Manager. John has accepted a three year contract with the Bluefish. John will be formally introduced during a Press Conference Monday December 18th at Harbor Yard at 2:00 pm.
John played in the major leagues for over 26 years, including stints with the Yankees, Dodgers, Angels and White Sox. He had three 20-win seasons, played in four World Series and was selected as an All-Star four times: 1968, 1978, 1979 and 1980. John went 4- 1 with a 2.08 ERA in seven League Championship Series starts and 2- 1 with a 2.67 ERA in six World Series appearances. He is the fifth winningest left handed pitcher in major league history.
John also finished second in the Cy Young Award balloting for both the 1977 and 1979 seasons, just a few years after the now famous "Tommy John Surgery" he had on his elbow. Notably in 1975, Tommy John was awarded the Hutch Award for displaying honor, courage and dedication to baseball both on and off the field.
"This is serendipity when so many factors come together and produce an opportunity like this. Bobby Valentine suggested Tommy John to fellow owner Tom Kushner, Bill Larsen knew Tommy from Larsen's Nashville days and everyone from Frank Boulton, Chairman of the Atlantic League, Steve Kalafer, owner of the Somerset Patriots to Joe Torre agree that Tommy John is a great guy and more importantly, the right guy for the Bridgeport Bluefish. We are looking forward to Tommy John's passionate leadership on the field and in the community", said Mary-Jane Foster, CEO of the Bridgeport Bluefish.
Bill Larsen said, "Tommy is the perfect choice for the Bluefish. There is no question he knows baseball but he also understands how important the team and players are to our fans, their families and the community. We're looking forward to a long lasting and fruitful relationship with him."
Atlantic League Stories from December 17, 2006
- Bluefish Name Tommy John Manager - Bridgeport Bluefish
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.
