SAL1 Greenville Drive

Luis Alicea Appointed to Red Sox Major League Staff

Published on November 29, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The first member of the 2006 Greenville Drive has been promoted to the Major Leagues, and it is in the form of manager Luis Alicea. The Boston Red Sox named Alicea the team's first base coach Wednesday afternoon, completing manager Terry Francona's staff for the 2007 season.

Alicea, who helped usher in a new era of baseball in Greenville as the Drive's first manager, guided the team to a 67-70 overall record in the South Atlantic League. More importantly, he played an integral role in the continuing developmental process of pitcher Clay Buchholz, Red Sox 2006 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, and infielder Jeff Natale, Red Sox 2006 Minor League Offensive Player of the Year.

"I will always remember 2006 as being a special season," said Alicea. "From the new ballpark and the support of the fans of Greenville, to the Drive ownership group and front office staff, it was a remarkable year.

The 2006 season also marked a milestone for Alicea as he earned his 100th career victory with a 7-2 win over Kannapolis on June 1st. Alicea spent the previous two seasons as the manager of the short-season Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League, where he posted a 74-77 record during that span.

"It was an honor to have someone of Luis Alicea's stature apart of the Drive's inaugural season," commented Drive General Manager Mike deMaine. "He was an excellent ambassador for the Drive and he will be missed. We wish him the best of luck for a successful future."

After the 2006 regular season had concluded, Alicea managed the Peoria Javelinas of the prestigious Arizona Fall League. Since it's inception in 1992, over 40 former AFL coaches are serving at the Major League ranks, including Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

Prior to joining the Red Sox organization in 2004, Alicea enjoyed a 13 year career in the Major Leagues. He spent time with St. Louis (1988; 91-94; 96), Boston (1995), Anaheim (1997), Texas (1998-2000), and Kansas City (2001-02), compiling a .260 batting average with 47 homers and 422 RBI in 1341 games. Primarily a second baseman, he also saw action at the other three infield positions and in the outfield during his big league career.

The switch-hitter enjoyed his best season with the Rangers in 2000, establishing career highs with a .294 average, 139 games, 85 runs, 159 hits, and 63 RBI. Alicea was the Red Sox regular second baseman in his lone season with Boston in 1995 compiling a .270 batting average in 132 games. Alicea was a first round pick in the 1986 First Year Player Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals after an outstanding career at Florida State University.

Season tickets and partial plans for the 2007 at West End Field, "Ballpark of the Year," are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Drive at (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from November 29, 2006


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