SL1 Mississippi Braves

M-Braves Announce 2011 Field Staff

Published on November 18, 2010 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


PEARL, MS - Today the Mississippi Braves announce the new field staff for the 2011 season. Joining the AA Braves will be Manager, Ralph "Rocket" Wheeler, and pitching coach, Mike Alvarez. In addition, Garey Ingram will be returning for his second season as hitting coach and Ricky Alcantara will once again be the M-Braves trainer.

Rocket joins the M-Braves from our former high A affiliate, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Through the five seasons spent at Myrtle Beach, 2006-2010, he has had a stellar record and has even become the manager with the most wins in Pelican's history. Furthermore, specifically in 2008, he guided the team to claim the Carolina League Southern Division Championship, winning a total of 89 regular season games. During his stint at Myrtle Beach, he earned the title of Baseball America's Minor League Manager of the Year as well as Carolina League Manager of the Year.

Prior to managing the Pelicans, Rocket spent time at the helm of the Rome Braves as well as the Tennessee Smokies. Moreover, he got his start spending 26 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays organization after being drafted in the 13th round in 1977.

In addition to Rocket's experience on field, Mississippi will get the aid of Mike Alvarez. Mike has been instrumental in the Braves organization as a roving pitching instructor specializing in training and evaluating the progress of Braves pitchers. However, his credentials also include time spent as a pitching coach. In 2005, he spent the year with the Richmond Braves and from 1998-2000 he saw action as Greenville Braves pitching coach.

"We are extremely excited to have Rocket Wheeler and Mike Alvarez join our coaching staff. I have known both of these guys for over 25 years. Rocket and I worked together in the Blue Jays organization and Rocket is no stranger to the Southern League, having managed the Tennessee Smokies. Mike was my pitching coach in Ft. Myers, Florida with the Royals and also in Greenville, SC with the Braves. Both of these gentlemen bring excitement and a passion for the game of baseball to the Mississippi Braves." said Mississippi Braves General Manager, Steve DeSalvo.

With the experience of Rocket Wheeler and Mike Alvarez, along with veteran Garey Ingram, the Braves hope to have another successful season in the heart of Mississippi as your hometown team. So join us next season at Trustmark Park and experience for yourself the new Mississippi Braves.

The Mississippi Braves begin the 2011 season at home on April 7. They will face the Jackson Generals, formerly the West Tenn. Diamond Jaxx. 2011 Season tickets, which include a wide variety of NEW BENEFITS, are on sale now at Trustmark Park's Box Office or by calling 888-BRAVES4.

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Southern League Stories from November 18, 2010


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