Can-Am League adds Cecil Fielder as manager; Skyhawks trade Dittfurth
February 26, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Sussex Skyhawks News Release
The Atlantic City Surf, member of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, have announced former major leaguer Cecil Fielder (pictured) as the club's new field manager in a press conference today.
Fielder spent 13 seasons in the major leagues from 1985 to 1998 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels and Cleveland Indians. He also played one season with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japan Central League. One of the top 100 home-run hitters in major-league history with 319 round-trippers, he also made three All-Star Game appearances (1990, 1991 and 1993). Fielder's 51 home runs for Detroit in 1990 marked the first 50-homer season for an American Leaguer since Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle accomplished the feat in 1961. He led the majors in RBI from 1990 to 1992, and is the only Detroit Tiger to ever hit over 25 home runs in six consecutive seasons (1990-1995).
Fielder appeared in the playoffs in three seasons (Toronto-1985, New York-1996, New York-1997), and hit .391 during the 1996 World Series.
The Los Angeles native made his managerial debut with the Charlotte County Redfish of the independent South Coast League last season. His son, Prince, the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year, is a first baseman with the Milwaukee Brewers.
"I'm excited to join the Surf organization," Fielder said. "This is a great opportunity, and we're putting together a team that will give one hundred percent every night. I'm looking forward to managing in such a strong baseball area, and we're working to bring another championship to Atlantic City."
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In Skyhawks news, RHP Ryan Dittfurth was traded to the Lincoln Saltdogs (American Association) in exchange for RHP Kyle Ruwe.
Ruwe has spent the past three seasons with Lincoln. The 6'5" Florida native compiled a 26-12 record over those three seasons; winning 10 games in 2006 and 2007. In 270 innings of work with Lincoln, Ruwe only allowed 36 walks during that time.
Dittfurth, who went 9-5 in 2007 with the Skyhawks, finished the season as the Sussex team leader in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched.
In addition to obtaining Ruwe, the Skyhawks have re-signed CF Ron Perodin. Perodin finished the 2007 season as the Sussex team leader in steals and triples.
Canadian American League Stories from February 26, 2008
- Can-Am League adds Cecil Fielder as manager; Skyhawks trade Dittfurth - Sussex Skyhawks
- Cecil Fielder Tabbed As New Atlantic City Surf Manager - Atlantic City Surf
- US Sports Camps/Nike Baseball Camp Announces Agreement With Skyhawks - Sussex Skyhawks
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