SL All-Star Managers Announced
Published on June 25, 2003 under Southern League (SL1) News Release
MARIETTA, GA â The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced today the two managers for the 2003 Southern League All-Star Game to take place July 8 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida. Managers were selected based on their clubs' winning first half championships.
Eastern Division Manager
Tracy Woodson â Carolina Mudcats
Tracy Woodson was named the manager of the Eastern Division All-Star Team. Woodson guided the Carolina Mudcats to an Eastern Division first-half championship with a record of 42-26. The Mudcats dominated the Southern League during the first half, being in first place every day of the half while producing two big leaguers in Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. This is Woodson's first season in the Florida Marlins' organization after managing in the San Diego Padres' farm system the last two seasons, guiding the Mobile BayBears to a 65-73 record in 2001 and the Fort Wayne Wizards of the Class A Midwest League to a 69-68 record in 2002. Woodson was drafted in the third round of the 1984 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers and was a member of the 1988 World Series Champion Dodgers under Tommy Lasorda. Woodson was also selected to be a coach for the World Team in this year's RadioShack Futures All-Star Game as part of Major League Baseball's All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
Western Division Manager
Frank Kremblas â Huntsville Stars
Frank Kremblas was named manager of the Western Division All-Star Team. In his second year at the helm of the Huntsville Stars, Kremblas led the Stars to a first-half Western Division Championship with a record of 40-28. This is Kremblas' fourth season as a manager or coach in the Milwaukee Brewers' farm system. Last year, Kremblas guided the Stars to a 70-69 overall record. Before joining the Brewers' organization, Kremblas was with the Montreal Expos' chain from 1997 to 1998. Kremblas was drafted in the 23rd round of the 1989 draft by the Cincinnati Reds and spent eight years in that organization before ending his playing career in Triple-A Louisville in 1996. Kremblas was also selected to be a coach for the U.S. Team in this year's RadioShack Futures All-Start Game as part of Major League Baseball's All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
The Southern League also announced the umpires for the 2003 Southern League All-Star Game:
John Woods â Crew Chief
John Woods is currently in his sixth season as a minor league umpire. He is in his second full season with the Southern League. He previously umpired in the Florida State, Midwest, Northwest, and Arizona Leagues as well as in independent Northern and Texas-Louisiana Leagues. Woods is a resident of Phoenix, AZ.
James Roebuck
James Roebuck is currently in his fifth full season as a minor league umpire. He is in his second season with the Southern League. He previously umpired in the Appalachian, Gulf Coast, South Atlantic, and Florida State Leagues. Roebuck is a resident of Connelly Springs, NC.
Garrett Watson
Garrett Watson is currently in his fifth season as a minor league umpire. He is in his first full season with the Southern League. He previously umpired in the California, Midwest, Northwest, and Arizona Leagues. Watson is a resident of Las Vegas, NV.
The Southern League will announce the Eastern Division All-Star Team on June 26, and the Western Division All-Star Team on June 27.
Since its reincarnation in 1995, the Southern League All-Star Game has served as a stepping-stone to the major leagues. Some of the former Southern League All-Stars who are currently playing in the big leagues include: Jason Kendall (Carolina Mudcats); Jermaine Dye (Greenville Braves); Mike Cameron (Birmingham Barons); Jason Varitek (Port City Roosters); Juan Encarnacion (Jacksonville Suns); Eric Chavez (Huntsville Stars); Robert Fick (Jacksonville Suns); Mark Buehrle (Birmingham Barons); Juan Pierre (Carolina Mudcats); Brandon Inge (Jacksonville Suns); Marcus Giles (Greenville Braves); Toby Hall (Orlando Rays); and Corey Patterson (West Tenn Diamond Jaxx); Orlando Hudson (Tennessee Smokies); Josh Phelps (Tennessee Smokies); Jake Peavy (Mobile BayBears); and Olivo Miguel (Birmingham Barons).
Southern League Stories from June 25, 2003
- Ankiel Pitches Smokies to Sweep - Mississippi Braves
- Ankiel Blanks Braves with 12K's - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns' 10-run inning leads to win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Suns Explode in 5th, Pound Rays - Orlando Rays
- Padres tryout camp Saturday at The Hank - Mobile BayBears
- SL All-Star Managers Announced - SL1
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