NL Sioux City Explorers

Explorers name Steve Shirley manager for 2005

Published on October 27, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Sioux City Explorers News Release


(Sioux City, IA) ­ The Sioux City Explorers named Steve Shirley as their field manager for 2005, the fourth manager in X's team history. Shirley will take over for Jay Kirkpatrick, who managed the Explorers the past two seasons and will remain on the coaching staff as hitting coach.

"We are excited to have Steve Shirley join the Explorers as our new manager", comments GM Chuck Robbins. "Steve brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach at the professional level. As a result, Steve has extensive contacts in professional baseball that should be a great asset in finding and acquiring players. As well, we are pleased that Jay is remaining with the organization where he has done an outstanding job with the hitters."

The 2005 season will be Shirley's first as a manager in the Northern League and second coaching position in the league. In 1999, Steve served as the pitching coach for the Duluth-Superior Dukes. He also has experience working as a volunteer assistant for the University of New Mexico. In addition to his coaching experience, Shirley has worked with numerous pitchers in the Albuquerque area at all levels to help them with their pitching skills. He also assisted Mike Marshall from the Northern League office with the Northern League Tryout Camp in the spring of 2004.

"I'd like to thank the Sioux City Explorers family for this opportunity to get back into the Northern League", comments Shirley. "The Northern League is a great baseball league and I fully expect our club to compete with the best on a nightly basis."

Shirley, who turned 48 earlier this month, was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1974 major league draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1982, Steve was called up to the majors for just over a month and appeared in 11 games. After the 1982 season, he was sold to a team in Japan and played two seasons there. In 1985, Shirley came back to the US and played in the Pirates organization. After stops with the Tigers, Dodgers, Royals and Expos, Steve retired at the end of the 1988 season.

Joining Shirley on the coaching staff will be Jay Kirkpatrick (hitting coach) and Jim Scholten (coach). Along with managing, Shirley will work directly with the pitchers. Former pitching coach, Joe Georger, retired following the 2004 season.

Shirley, along with members of the Explorers organization will meet the public tonight at Lewis Bowl and Sports Bar where they will host a World Series Party.

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Great season ticket packages and mini plans are now on sale for the 2005 season. For details call an X's representative at (712)-277-9467.

Check out the Sioux City Explorers Statistics

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Northern League Stories from October 27, 2004


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