New skipper to lead Knights in '07
Published on January 18, 2007 under International League (IL1)
Charlotte Knights News Release
FORT MILL, S.C. - January 18, 2007- The Charlotte Knights Baseball Club is proud to announce that Marc Bombard will serve as manager for the 2007 season. The Chicago White Sox, parent club of the Knights, made the announcement today. The team also announced that pitching coach Juan Nieves and hitting coach Tack Wilson will return to the Knights.
Bombard enters his 23rd season as a minor league manager and is the all-time leader in wins as a manager with 1,556. He has spent 34 years in professional baseball-spending last season as first base coach for the Philadelphia Phillies.
He is no stranger to the International League having managed at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2005 and with Indianapolis from 1993-95 when the team was part of the American Association. Bombard was named manager of the year in 1994 by Baseball America, Triple-A manager of the year by Baseball Weekly in 1995 and Minor League Manager of the Year by USA Today in 2002. In 1996, Bombard joined Ray Knight's staff as 3rd base coach of the Cincinnati Reds.
"I'm excited to be with the White Sox organization and returning to the International League where I've been fortunate to manage some great teams," said Bombard. "With the number of quality players in Chicago's farm system, I feel we'll be able to develop a competitive team in Charlotte."
"We're thrilled to have someone of Marc's experience to lead the Knights in 2007. Its not often you get the all-time winningest manager on your ballclub," said Knights VP/General Manager Dan Rajkowski. "He'll be a great addition to the Charlotte community and the staff and I look forward to working with him."
This will mark Nieves' 3rd season as pitching coach in Charlotte, his 9th with the White Sox organization. In 2006, Nieves lead a staff consisting of All-Star pitchers Charlie Haeger, Jeff Farnsworth and Heath Phillips. Nieves was selected to take part in last year's Futures Game in Pittsburgh as part of the World Team. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of his no-hitter-the only one in Milwaukee Brewers history-against the Baltimore Orioles on April 15, 1987.
Wilson begins his 2nd season in the White Sox organization and in Charlotte. This will be Wilson's 10th season as a minor league coach. In 2006, Charlotte lead the IL in RBI's, On-Base percentage and Runs, while the team's batting average was second overall.
Scott Johnson returns for his 8th season as trainer for the Knights. Chad Efron will serve as conditioning coordinator.
The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket or event information, please contact the Knights front office at (704) 357-8071 or (803) 548-8050 or visit our website at www.charlotteknights.com for more information.
International League Stories from January 18, 2007
- IronPigs to Host Phillies Winter Tour Stop - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- New skipper to lead Knights in '07 - Charlotte Knights
- Jeff Desjardins Named Bisons Athletic Trainer - Buffalo Bisons
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.
