Camden Riversharks Announce Von Hayes As New Team Manager
October 26, 2009 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Camden Riversharks News Release
CAMDEN - The Camden Riversharks announced today that former Philadelphia Phillie Von Hayes has been named the team's new manager. The former Major League All Star will be introduced to fans on Thursday, October 29th at 7:15 p.m., as part of a World Series Meet and Greet party at Campbell's Field.
"We're extremely excited to have Von as our new manager for the 2010 season," said Riversharks General Manager Adam Lorber. "Not only is he a local hero in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area, but he's an extremely accomplished baseball man. There is no doubt that he is going to be a great fit for the Riversharks," he added.
Hayes brings an extensive resume as both a player and manager to his new role with the Riversharks. A twelve year veteran of the major leagues, he has experienced success at the highest levels of baseball.
Hayes was originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 7th round of the 1979 amateur draft. He debuted with the team two years later, on April 14th, 1981, and appeared in 43 games that season. The following year, Hayes became an everyday outfielder for the Indians, and compiled a .250 batting average, while hitting 14 homeruns and driving in 82 runs. The strong showing during the 1982 season saw Hayes come in 7th in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
In December of 1982, Hayes was traded from the Indians to the Philadelphia Phillies in a controversial "five for one" deal. In exchange for Hayes, the Phillies sent Jay Baller, Julio Franco, Manny Trillo, George Vukovich and Jerry Willard to the Indians.
It was with the Phillies where Hayes spent the majority of his career and enjoyed the bulk of his success at the Major League level. From 1983 to 1991, he appeared in over one thousand games for the Phillies, amassing a .272 batting average, while hitting 124 homeruns and recording 568 RBIs. He finished eighth in the National League Most Valuable Player voting in 1986, and made the National League All Star team in 1989.
"I'm coming home," said Hayes, when asked about being named the new manager of the Riversharks. "It's great to be back in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area, and I'm extremely excited about managing the Riversharks this upcoming season. I'm sure we're going to have a great year," he added.
Leading the Riversharks will not be a completely new experience for Hayes, who has worked as a baseball manager before. Most recently, Hayes managed the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League during the 2008 season. He has also managed minor league teams in South Bend, Indiana; Modesto, California; and Midland, Texas. He was named the California League Manager of the Year in 2004 and the Texas League Manager of the Year in 2005.
Hayes will be introduced to fans on Thursday, October 29th at 7:15 p.m., as part of a World Series Meet and Greet party at Campbell's Field. The event will be open to the public and there will be no admission cost. Reservations are suggested but not required. Please call 1-866-SHARKS-9 to reserve a seat.
Atlantic League Stories from October 26, 2009
- Camden Riversharks Announce Von Hayes As New Team Manager - Camden Riversharks
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