Lanier Named Manager Of The Year
Published on September 2, 2008 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Sussex Skyhawks News Release
DURHAM, NC - The Can-Am League announced today that Sussex Skyhawks field manager Hal Lanier has been selected by the eight managers and media representatives as the 2008 Manager of the Year.
Lanier in his first year with Sussex led the Skyhawks to their first ever playoff appearance and a share of the second half title. He guided them to a 52-42 record, an 18-win jump from the previous season and the most victories in the three-year existence of the club.
The Skyhawks skipper spent ten seasons in the major leagues as a player, eight with the San Francisco Giants and two with the New York Yankees. As a rookie of the Giants in 1964, he batted .274 and was named to the Topps All-Star Rookie team. In his fifth season with San Francisco, Lanier led all National League shortstops in putouts (282) and fielding average (.979).
Upon the completion of this playing career, Lanier spent five seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals organization; serving as a minor league manager and then as the third base coach for the 1982 World Series and 1985 National League championship teams. In 1986, Lanier went on to manage the Houston Astros. In his first year with Houston, Lanier was awarded the National League Manager of the Year. That year, the Astros won the division title, had a record of 96-66 and made it to the National League Championship Series, where they lost to the eventual World Series Champions, the New York Mets. Following his stint with the Astros, Lanier spent the 1990 & 1991 seasons as a coach with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Lanier has spent the past 13 seasons in independent baseball.
Canadian American League Stories from September 2, 2008
- Atlantic City Surf Playoff Preview - Atlantic City Surf
- Lanier Named Manager Of The Year - Sussex Skyhawks
- Skyhawks' Hal Lanier Named Manager Of The Year - Can-Am
- Playoff Update - Sussex Skyhawks
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