PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Former Cubs Catcher Bill Hayes Named Manager of Fresno Grizzlies

Published on December 9, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


(Fresno, CA): The San Francisco Giants' Pacific Coast League triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies have announced their 2004 field staff, naming former Cubs catcher Bill Hayes manager. The field staff will include 11-year Major League pitcher Ross Grimsley serving as pitching coach, former Major League catcher Steve Decker returning as hitting coach, and Richard Stark as the team's athletic trainer.

"The excitement is growing for our 2004 season, and I look forward to a good working relationship with Bill Hayes and his staff," said Grizzlies president Pat Filippone. "I know Bill from our time in both the California and Carolina Leagues and look forward to working with him and the staff as we strive towards our 2004 goals."

"We are confident Bill Hayes will cultivate major league talent for the San Francisco Giants as manager of our triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies," said Bobby Evans, director of minor league administration for the Giants. "It should be a great summer of minor league baseball at Grizzlies Stadium."

Hayes comes to Fresno most recently from the San Francisco Giants where he was bullpen catcher last season, a change that moved him from single-A San Jose where he managed for one season (2002). Prior to his stay in San Jose, Hayes spent one season with (then) double-A Shreveport (2000) and one in single-A Hagerstown (2001). A Phoenix, Arizona native, he came to the Giants from the Colorado Rockies organization, most recently serving as bullpen coach for the major league squad in 1998 and the manager in triple-A Colorado Springs in 1999. A former catcher and 1st-round draft pick (1978), Hayes will mark his 28th year in professional baseball this season. Hayes will also make his return to the area after a 10-year absence—he managed the California League (then) Central Valley Rockies (which played two seasons at Recreation Park in Visalia) during the 1994 season.

Grimsley is entering his sixth season in the Giants organization, his first at the triple-A level. He comes from double-A Norwich where he spent three seasons (1999-2000, 2003) as pitching coach. Grimsley was pitching coach in single-A Hagerstown in 2002, after serving as roving minor league pitching instructor in 2001. Before coming to the Giants organization, Grimsley served as coach with Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies organizations. The left-hander pitched professionally for the Reds (1971-73), Orioles (1974-77, '82), Expos (1978-80) and Indians (1980). He won two games in the 1972 World Series (vs. Oakland) and is the son of major league pitcher Ross Grimsley, Sr.

Stark comes to the Grizzlies from the Milwaukee Brewers organization where he was most recently Minor League Medical Coordinator (2000-2003). He spent four seasons in the California League with single-A Stockton (1993-1996), one season in the Texas League with double-A El Paso (1997) and two seasons at triple-A Louisville.

The Grizzlies' 2003 field manager, Fred Stanley, has been named the Giants' Coordinator of Minor League Instruction, 2002-2003 pitching coach Bert Bradley will serve as Coordinator of Minor League Pitching for the organization, and 2003 trainer Mark Guesbeck will be the Giants' Rehabilitation Coordinator.

Check out the Fresno Grizzlies Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from December 9, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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