Meacham Returns to Lead 2016 Fisher Cats

January 20, 2016 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats News Release

MANCHESTER, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, in conjunction with their parent club, the Toronto Blue Jays, announced today that manager Bobby Meacham is returning to the Fisher Cats' dugout for the 2016 season. The former Yankees shortstop will be joined by a familiar staff with hitting coach Stubby Clapp, strength and conditioning coach Brian Pike, and athletic trainer Bob Tarpey all returning. Pitching coach Vince Horsman is the lone newcomer, receiving a promotion from Advanced-A Dunedin.

"This is a great group of guys to welcome back to New Hampshire in 2016," said Rick Brenner, Fisher Cats president & general manager. "We are excited to continue our relationships with Bobby, Stubby, Bob, and Brian, and we look forward to getting to know Vince. With this group in place, it's another reason to get excited for Opening Day on April 14 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium."

Meacham returns to New Hampshire for a third straight season and his fourth overall in the Blue Jays' minor league system. In 2015, the California native earned his 500th managerial victory in April, part of a 69-win season for the club. His work with the Fisher Cats earned him the Blue Jays' Bobby Mattick Award, honoring excellence in player development.

A former first-round pick and long-time New York Yankees shortstop, 'Meach' spent six seasons as a major league base coach before joining the Blue Jays in 2013. He has coached in the major leagues with Florida, San Diego, Houston, and the Yankees. He has also coached minor leaguers with Kansas City, Colorado, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

Clapp is back for his second season with the Fisher Cats. It will mark his fourth as a Blue Jays' hitting coach and his ninth in the minor leagues. An Ontario, Canada native, Clapp played more than 1,000 games in the minors, including 19 with the Fisher Cats in 2004. His No. 10 jersey has been retired by the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. He made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001.

Tarpey returns to New Hampshire for a seventh straight season as athletic trainer. He has been with the Blue Jays since 2006, spending time at each level on the way to Double-A. The York, Maine native was named the Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2014.

Pike is back in his home state for an eighth season, his seventh consecutively. The Gorham resident began his baseball career in the Fisher Cats' dugout in 2006, and then continued after a two-year break from the game. He has been paired with Tarpey in New Hampshire since 2010.

The Fisher Cats, led by the new staff, will celebrate their home opener on Thursday, April 14, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the Trenton Thunder (New York Yankees). Full and Half-Season Tickets and Mini-Ticket Plans are currently on sale, and each features a variety of benefits, gifts, and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

New Hampshire Fisher Cats Manager Bobby Meacham (Dave Schofield/NH Fisher Cats)

Eastern League Stories from January 20, 2016

• Meacham Returns to Lead 2016 Fisher Cats - New Hampshire Fisher Cats

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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