AA Sioux Falls Canaries

Canaries Dismiss Manager Chris Paterson

Published on July 19, 2016 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release


Sioux Falls SD - The Sioux Falls Canaries announced on Tuesday that they have relieved manager Chris Paterson of his duties, effective immediately.  Former Canaries infielder Shelby Ford has been named interim manager for the remainder of the season.

 

"We want to thank Chris for his hard work and efforts over the past year-and-a-half," stated Canaries President/CEO Tom Garrity. "It was a tough decision to make, but we feel it's time to bring in a fresh voice to lead the team through the rest of the season."

 

Paterson was in his second season as field manager with the Canaries, posting a record of 56-98. After starting the season 5-0, the Canaries have lost nine straight games entering this evening's home game and are 17-38 overall on the season.

 

"Chris worked hard to put good players on the field, but unfortunately we haven't seen the results we would like," said Canaries General Manager Duell Higbe. "We want to create a winning culture with our ball club and that starts right now as we focus on finishing the year strong and building towards next season. We will continue to work hard to find the right pieces and improve our team on the field."

 

Ford spend part of the 2014 and 2015 season with the Birds, hitting .333 in 32 games. He was selected in the 3rd round (80th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates and spent six seasons in the Pirates farm system, logging 94 games with Triple-A Indianapolis before joining the independent ranks in 2012.  In 2013, he hit .315 with 34 RBI and 14 extra-base hits in 37 games with the Fort Worth Cats of the Independent United League. 

 

The Fort Worth, Texas native took home Carolina League Post-Season All-Star (Class A) honors in 2007 and an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star selection (Double-A) in 2008.  In 2009, Ford was named the no. 8 prospect in the Pirates organization according to Baseball America. 

 

The Canaries return to action tonight at 7:05 PM as they host the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks at the Birdcage for "Navy Night." The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Lead Frogs, will be parachuting in from a plan to deliver the ball for the first pitch. Tickets are available through the Canaries Box Office or visit sfcanaries.com for more information.

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