Hooper to Remain in Wichita Through 2013
December 9, 2011 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts announced at a Friday press conference that field manager Kevin Hooper has signed a two-year extension that will keep him through the 2013 season.
"I am very excited to be returning as the manager of the Wichita Wingnuts for the next two seasons," said Hooper. "I can't give enough thanks to Josh Robertson and the entire Wingnuts' organization for giving me this opportunity. I also want to thank all of our fan base for supporting us throughout the years. I can only hope we keep adding to the number of fans night in and night out that attend beautiful Lawrence-Dumont Stadium."
Hooper enters his fourth year as Wingnuts' manager, and 14th overall in professional baseball. The Lawrence, KS native has guided the Wingnuts to a winning record in each of his first three seasons at the helm, with an overall mark of 163-129 (.558). During this stretch, the Wingnuts have reached the playoffs twice--winning division titles in 2009 and 2011--while falling just one game shy of both the division crown and wild card in 2010.
"We are thrilled to have 'Hoop' back for another two years," said Wingnuts' General Manager Josh Robertson. "He represents everything there is about the word 'team', and we are confident that he will continue to play a major role in making Wichita proud of its professional baseball team."
Over the last three years, the Wingnuts have sold the contracts of nine players to Major League organizations, and one other to the Mexican League. En route to winning the Central Division title in 2011, the Wingnuts ranked first in the American Association in team batting average (.311), on-base percentage (.388), and slugging percentage (.460). On the other side of the ball, Wichita finished third in team ERA (4.52) and second in team fielding percentage (.975).
"I've tremendously enjoyed my past three seasons managing here, and hope to create many more great memories in the years to come," said Hooper. "I thoroughly embrace and love the entire process of recruiting, building a team, and being able to spend so much time with my family here at home."
Hooper has also managed numerous individual accomplishments. Since 2009, the Wingnuts have had seven players named to the league's postseason all-star team, and featured 11 mid-season all-stars from 2009-10. In 2009, Hooper was honored as the American Association's Manager of the Year. The Wingnuts were a league-best 58-38 that season--a team that included American Association Player of the Year Greg Porter, as well as the Right- and Left-Handed Pitchers of the Year, Derek Blacksher and Brad Davis respectively.
Hooper's playing career started in 1999 when the Florida Marlins drafted him in the 8th round out of Wichita State University. The 35-year old Hooper ascended quickly through the minors and spent six of his 10 professional seasons at the Triple-A level. Hooper reached the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers in both 2005 and 2006. Hooper's playing career concluded with the Wingnuts in 2008, a season that saw him notch his 1,000th professional hit, and win the American Association batting title by 40 points.
Hooper and his wife Lindsey now reside in Valley Center with their two daughters Lucy and Laney.
The Wingnuts currently have two players under contract for the 2012 season and expect to make several more announcements before the new year.
The Wichita Wingnuts open the 2012 season on May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs. Season tickets, mini packs, and group outings are on sale now. You can also shop Wingnuts for the holidays by visiting the team's merchandise kiosk at Towne West Mall. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS, or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website www.wichitawingnuts.com.
American Association Stories from December 9, 2011
- Harris to Return to Sox - Amarillo ThunderHeads
- Hooper to Remain in Wichita Through 2013 - Wichita Wingnuts
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