Fielders Begin Spring Training
May 16, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Lake County Fielders News Release
Zion, IL-May 16, 2011- The Lake County Fielders of the North American League began spring training today at the Desert Sun Stadium Complex in Yuma, Arizona.
Led by field manager Tim "T.J." Johnson, the Fielders are preparing themselves for a fresh new season with a fresh set of coaches.
Johnson, a former Major League shortstop with the Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays, has managerial experience at many levels throughout professional baseball. In 1998, Johnson managed the Toronto Blue Jays to an 88-74 record, that franchise's best record in the past 13 years. After managing the Blue Jays, Johnson went on to manage teams in the Mexican League, Northern League, American Association and the Golden Baseball League.
Joining Johnson on his staff is veteran hitting coach Pete LaCock. LaCock, a first round pick of the Chicago Cubs in the 1970 draft, was a Major League first baseman/outfielder for the Cubs and the Kansas City Royals during his nine-year career. He joins the Fielders in his first year as hitting coach, having previous managerial experience with the Lincoln Saltdogs, Tucson Toros, and the Schaumburg Flyers.
Along with veterans Johnson and LaCock, the Fielders have also added pitching coach Chris Thompson. Thompson, who will also be pitching for the Fielders this season, was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 21st round of the 2004 draft. In his seven seasons as a professional pitcher, Thompson achieved a 23-18 record with an impressive 3.80 ERA.
With their new coaches at the helm, the Fielders are scheduled to end spring training May 24th, as they head for Hawaii to open up the 2011 season against the Maui Warriors on May 26th.
The Fielders open up their season at home on July 3rd against the Yuma Scorpions.
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North American League Stories from May 16, 2011
- Fielders Begin Spring Training - Lake County Fielders
- Bats Alive in Inaugural Grey/Black Game - Calgary Vipers
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- Thunder Invite Pair to Spring Training - McAllen Thunder
- Roadrunners Invite Three to Spring Training - Edinburg Roadrunners
- WhiteWings Finalize Spring Training Roster - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Colts Add Three Pitchers to 2011 Roster - San Angelo Colts
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