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Shields sets new benchmark

August 19, 2004 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
New Jersey Cardinals News Release


On June 18, 2002 Tommy Shields managed his first game for the New Jersey Cardinals. Two and a half seasons later, Shields has amassed 100 victories, and become the Cardinalsall-time winningest manager. On August 12, he earned win number 97 to break Jeff Shiremans 4-year old record. Before managing the Cardinals, Shields skippered the Gulf Coast Orioles (Gulf Coast League) in 1996, the Delmarva Shorebirds (South Atlantic League) in 1997, and the Fredrick Keys (Carolina League) in 1998.

Currently 36 former Tommy Shields players are playing at a higher professional level, including major leaguer Josh Towers (Toronto Blue Jays). Every manager tries to give his players the proper tools to play to their full potential and work their ways to the top. I tell them to play without fear,said Shields. Tommy works to groom a mutual respect with each of his players. You cant be friendly to a kid to his face, and then curse him behind his back. I can understand physical mistakes on the field, because I made them all.

Shields is himself a former major leaguer. After being drafted in the 15th round by the Pirates in 1986, he began his career in the NY-Penn League with the Watertown Pirates. Tommy moved up through the Pirates organization before being traded to the Orioles after the 1990 season, with whom he would make his major league debut in 1992. After the 92 season, Tommy signed with the Chicago Cubs and made the major league roster out of spring training and appeared in 20 games during the season.

This year, Shields and the Cardinals are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 1994. As of August 17, the Cardinals hold the wild-card lead over division rival Hudson Valley, and are 1 just game behind first-place Brooklyn. They have 3 games remaining against both Hudson Valley and Brooklyn before the end of the season. The Cardinals close the season with 6 straight home games.

SHIELDS BY THE NUMBERS

RECORDS HELD: Most wins as a manager: 100 (as of 8/17/04)

Longest Win Streak: 8 games (6/29/02-7/6/02)

Best Month: 20-8 (July 2002)

RECORD BY SEASON: 2002 39-37 (3rd place finish)

2003 31-42 (5th place finish)

2004 (thru 8/17) 30-25 (2nd place, leading wild card)

STARTING STRONG: When Scoring First: 65-29

FINISHING STRONG: Leading after 7 74-3



New York-Penn League Stories from August 19, 2004


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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