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Foxhounds Hunt Down Manager

January 3, 2007 - South Coast League (SCL)
Aiken Foxhounds News Release


AIKEN, SC- Foxhounds are terrific hunters, bred from only the finest bloodlines. The same holds true for Aiken's new field manager, Chris Bando.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Foxhounds and the community of Aiken," said Bando. "I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to continue my coaching career."

Chris, who has been hunting for talent for Aiken's 2007 roster, played nine seasons in the major leagues while his older brother, Sal, was a four time All-Star in 16 seasons in the majors.

"We are excited to have Chris as part of the Foxhound family, said GM Bradley Bell. "Chris brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the plate and will be instrumental in building the Foxhounds tradition here in Aiken."

Bando, an All-American catcher at Arizona State University ('75-'78) lifted the Sun Devils to the 1977 National Championship with a game winning homerun against the University of South Carolina. The switch hitting Bando returned to the College World Series the following season and was named to the All-Tournament team. He still ranks sixth in school history with a career .388 (195-for-502) batting average.

Originally drafted after his junior campaign in the 22nd round by the Milwaukee Brewers, he chose to return to ASU for his senior season. One year later, Chris was selected by his hometown Cleveland Indians in the 2nd round of the 1978 draft and began his professional career with the Tribe.

"I figured that Cleveland would be the last team to draft me," said Bando, "I grew up idolizing those guys at Municipal Stadium, but in the end it all worked out. I even got to play my first major league game against my brother."

Chris went on to enjoy a nine-year major league career as a standout defensive catcher. He proved exceptional at handling the knuckleballs of Tom Candiotti and Phil Niekro. In his final season in 1989, he won a World Series championship with the Oakland Athletics.

After his playing career, Bando went on to manage in the Brewers organization from 1990-95 compiling a mark of 447-396 (.530). From 1996-98 he was the third base coach of the Brewers and in '99 became a Major League Scout for Milwaukee.

In 2000, Chris took a position in Australia as the Director of Coaching, Player Development, & Manager of the International Baseball League of Australia.

Once back in the states in 2001, he was named manager of Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians-Single A), but was quickly elevated to manage the Akron Aeros (Double A). After a season with the Aeros he returned to the Scrappers as manager in 2002 and hitting coach in 2003.

Chris was an advanced scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005, before taking a year off to spend time with his family and coach his sons' collegiate summer league team.

"My philosophy in coaching is to help the players as much as possible," said Bando. Winning is fun, but seeing a young man develop into a great player and knowing you were a part of that is the real thrill. A lot of guys fall through the cracks after college and this league will allow them another chance to realize their dream."

Chris lives with his wife, Mary Beth and their six children Ben, Phil, Mike, Nick, Luke, and Angela in Queen Creek, AZ.

The South Coast League is a six-team based independent professional baseball league located in the Southeastern U.S. First pitch is scheduled for May of 2007.



South Coast League Stories from January 3, 2007


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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