MWL1 Beloit Sky Carp

Snappers Announce Field Staff for 2007

Published on November 16, 2006 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Beloit Sky Carp News Release


The Beloit Snappers field staff will have a familiar look to it next year. The Minnesota Twins will send the entire staff from 2006 campaign back to Beloit for another season. Jeff Smith will be at the helm for the second consecutive season. Along with Smith in the Beloit dugout will be Pitching Coach Steve Mintz, Hitting Coach Rudy Hernandez and Athletic Trainer Alan Rail.

Last season, Smith's first as a Field Manager, the Snappers finished with a 74-64 record. Beloit qualified for the playoffs for the second consecutive season, earning the Wild Card in the Western Division in the second half. Smith was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 20th round of 1995 June draft as a catcher. He spent seven seasons in the Twins minor league system before becoming a free agent in 2002. After leaving the Twins, Smith spent time in the minors with Boston and Texas. He ended his playing career in 2004. Smith attended Stetson University where he earned a degree in Exercise Science. Jeff, his wife Ronna and their son Cooper reside in Naples, Florida.

Steve Mintz returns as the Snappers Pitching Coach for the second consecutive season. In 2006, Mintz guided the pitching staff to the second best ERA (3.18) in the Midwest League. Mintz was originally drafted as a catcher by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1990 June draft. He pitched 12 seasons professionally with Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Pittsburgh and Anaheim. Mintz made his major league debut May 18, 1995 for San Francisco. He earned his only major league win, June 14 1995 at Wrigley Field. Steve, his wife Cathi, daughter Abby and sons Hunter and Jacob reside in Leland, North Carolina.

Rudy Hernandez returns for his third season as the Snappers Hitting Coach. Last year Beloit batted .259 under Hernandez's tutelage. He spent five seasons in the minors with the New York Mets where he batted .250 as an infielder and outfielder. Rudy and his wife Andrea reside in Maracay, Venezuela. Athletic Trainer Alan Rail also returns with Hernandez for his third season in Beloit.

The Snappers open the 2007 season at Pohlman Field for the fourth consecutive season. Beloit hosts Cedar Rapids for a three-game series, beginning Thursday, April 5, 2007. First pitch is set for 6:30 pm. For tickets or additional information contact the Snappers at (608) 362-2272, or check out www.SnappersBaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from November 16, 2006


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