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South Georgia picks Buddy York to lead title defense

March 4, 2008 - South Coast League (SCL)
South Georgia Peanuts News Release


(Albany, GA) The South Georgia Peanuts presented by Security Bank and South Coast League of Professional Baseball announced today the promotion of assistant coach Buddy York to the role of manager for the 2008 season.

York replaces Wally Backman, who now is the head coach for the Joliet Jackhammers (independent, Northern League).

"Buddy has the background necessary to help this team grow, learn, and accomplish a lot this season," said league CEO, Jamie Toole.

"One thing's for sure, there won't be a drop in the level of excitement on the field with Buddy's leadership and his brand of baseball."

Talk about pressure in your debut for the Peanuts; York will work towards putting together a team to defend Albany's and South Georgia's 2007 South Coast League Championship.

"We plan on having some players from last year's team, but there will probably be more new faces than old ones for 2008," said York.

"There will be a different make up in terms of experience from last year, but each guy has tremendous talent and will lay it on the line, day in and day out. We'll have a team that will play at one speed and that is 'all out'."

The Peanuts led the league in stolen bases last year, and York plans to keep the base paths hot again this year.

"We will manufacture our runs the good ol' fashion way and that is with 'small ball'."

Base stealing isn't the only statistical category the Peanuts led last year. They led the league in batting average and walks as well, while finishing in the top four in hits, runs scored, fewest strikeouts, and homeruns.

On the defensive side of the field, things weren't much different. The team led the league in wins, fewest losses, ERA, hits allowed, home runs given up, and saves.

For York, at the end of the day, more than baseball, it is about teaching these young players something about life too.

"You have to fight for everything in life, and that's a motto I live by and that is what I want to make sure my guys understand, whether it pertains to baseball or life in general."

York will retain two familiar faces from last season's squad to help him with coaching duties. Bubba Birdsong will take over as the bench coach and handle coaching third base. Chris Webb, a pitcher from last season, will return as a player/coach, assisting with instruction for the pitchers in addition to competing each night on the mound.

If Buddy York looks familiar, it is because he is a native of southwest Georgia. He grew up in the Albany area and currently resides in Lee County with his wife Robbie and their two kids. Buddy also owns a couple of businesses which he manages when he is not focused on baseball.

The Peanuts new manager brings an extensive background both as a player and a manager and will show the fans a style of play they can be excited about and proud of.

"Our entire team, from the coaches to the bat boys will work hard, from daylight to dusk, and we will leave it all on the field. Our fans deserve the best and after last season's success, the bar has been set high."

For more information on teams, players, schedules, tickets, photos, and all other news and information related to the 2008 season, visit the South Georgia Peanuts website at www.southgeorgiapeanutscom or the South Coast League website at www.southcoastleague.com.

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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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