Skyhawks welcome another major leaguer
February 13, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Sussex Skyhawks News Release
Augusta, NJ - Today, the Sussex Skyhawks announced the hiring of their third former major leaguer. Dave Cash, who spent 12 years in the big leagues, joins the Skyhawks staff as the hitting coach for the 2008 season. Cash joins Skyhawks manager Hal Lanier and catcher Yohanny Valera as the three current personnel members for the Skyhawks to have spent time in the major leagues. In addition to the hiring of Cash, the Skyhawks have also finalized an agreement with Brooks Carey, who will serve as the pitching coach for the upcoming season.
Cash began his career as a 5th round draft choice with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1966. He was part of the 1971 World Series champion Pirates team that included Willie Stargell, Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazeroski. In addition to a World Series ring, Cash was named to the NL All-Star team three consecutive years ('74-'76) and finished in the top 20 in MVP voting each of those years. Cash lead the NL in singles (167) in 1974, hits (213) and singles (166) in 1975 and triples (12) in 1976. He ended his major league career with a .283 batting average, 21 homeruns, 426 RBIs and 120 stolen bases.
In 2006, Cash served as the first base coach for the Baltimore Orioles. The following year, Cash returned to his hometown, taking over the manager position of the Utica Brewmasters of the New York State League.
Carey, who was drafted in the 10th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 1978, spent six years in the minor leagues. After ending his playing career, Carey went on to coach at Key West High School where he produced Kahlil Greene of the San Diego Padres. Most recently, Carey was a manager in the New York Sate League.
The Skyhawks have also made some roster moves in the last couple of days.
Ron Perodin will be returning to the Skyhawks for the 2008 season. Perodin spent the 2007 season with the Skyhawks earning a .282 batting average and appearing in 91 games. Perodin also had 107 hits and 20 RBIs in the 2007 campaign. Those 2007 numbers ranked Perodin fifth in the Can-Am League for triples (5) and stolen bases (31), and first in at-bats (380).
The Skyhawks have also acquired two new faces, Eric Thomas and Joe Walentin. Thomas and Walentin were acquired from the Reno Silver Sox (Golden League) in exchange for DH Larry Bethea.
RHP Eric Thomas started his pitching career at the University of South Alabama. In 2004, Thomas was acquired by the Bangor Lumberjacks (Northeast League). After taking a brief hiatus, Thomas returned to baseball in 2007 with the Reno Silver Sox (Golden League). Thomas had seven saves and appeared in 16 games through out the season. In the Golden League, Thomas was 5th for saves (7), 5th for relief points (21), and 5th for games finished (14).
Joe Walentin also hails from the 2007 Reno Silver Sox (Golden League). Walentin launched his career pitching at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York. After college, Walentin joined the New York State League before becoming a part of the Reno Silver Sox (Golden League). With the Silver Sox, Walentin appeared in 6 games with an ERA of 5.79 and a record of 1-1.
The Skyhawks 2008 season will kick off on Thursday, May 22nd at 7:05PM. Skyhawks season tickets and mini plans are currently available. The Skyhawks 12-game mini plan is the only way to guarantee a seat to every regular season firework show during the 2008 season. For more information on the 2008 season, fans can log onto www.sussexskyhawks.com or 973-300-1000 x21.
Canadian American League Stories from February 13, 2008
- Bernie Robbins Stadium To Host Myriad Of Games This Spring - Atlantic City Surf
- Skyhawks welcome another major leaguer - Sussex Skyhawks
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