Steve Yeager to manage Long Beach Armada

Published on December 18, 2007 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Long Beach Armada News Release


(Long Beach, CA. December 18, 2007) The Long Beach Armada of Los Angeles of California of the United States of North America including Barrow, Alaska, proud members of the Golden Baseball League, announced today that 15 year major league catcher Steve Yeager has been signed as the new field manager of the Armada. In addition to his playing career, the 1981 World Series MVP has managed and coached in the independent minor leagues and in the Dodger farm system at levels up through Triple-A. Yeager led the Long Beach Breakers to the Western Baseball League championship in 2001.

"It's great to return to Long Beach and Blair Field. The city and fans are first class and it's a fine ballpark. I had a wonderful experience the last go around and I'm looking forward to building a team that we can all be proud of," said Yeager. "I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to work with young players, help them develop and succeed in professional baseball, and to help them attract the attention of major league organizations."

Yeager, 59, was a fourth round draft choice by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1967 out of Meadowdale High School in Dayton, Ohio. He climbed quickly through the Dodgers farm system, earning All-Star honors in Double-A and establishing a reputation as one of the finest young defensive catchers in professional baseball. He broke into the majors late in 1972 with the Dodgers. His command of the game and throwing ability were key to the Dodgers advancing to the World Series four times in his career, capped by the 1981 World Series victory over the New York Yankees when Yeager shared MVP honors with teammates Pedro Guerrero and Ron Cey.

Called by Lou Brock the greatest throwing catcher of all-time, he was also dangerous at the plate as he belted 102 home runs in his career, had a lifetime batting average of .321 with the bases loaded, and had a career World Series batting average of .298 during his four October classics. He continued to be part of the Dodger organization after his playing career ended as he coached future Dodgers in Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A since the 1990s. Current Dodger players Russell Martin, James Loney, Andy LaRoche, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Tony Abreau, and a slew of others have all been under Yeager's tutelage throughout their rise to the big leagues.

"As the Long Beach Armada organization continues to build a strong tradition of professional baseball and family sports entertainment, Steve Yeager is the ideal manager for our team," said Steven Bash, General Manager of the Armada. "He's an experienced minor league manager and coach, played at the highest levels of the game, and is well known and respected by players, fans, the media, and the business community in Long Beach and throughout the Los Angeles area."

Dodger and baseball fans alike hold Yeager close to their hearts as a fan favorite for his hardnosed play and also for his entertaining lifestyle. Whether it was appearing in all three Major League movies as coach Duke Temple, dancing on the television show Solid Gold, or being featured in one of National Geographic's Top 100 All-Time photos as he planted a kiss on Dodger bench coach Monty Basgall's head in the dugout during a game, Yeager always had fun both on and off the field. Yeager is credited for inventing the catcher's throat protector now worn at all levels of baseball after he was hit in the throat by a broken bat during a Dodger game in 1976. Yeager is also a cousin of famed test-pilot Chuck Yeager.

A press conference and meet-and-greet with Steve Yeager will be held at the newly re-opened Legends Sports Bar and Grill on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 6:00pm. Fans and media are invited to come and welcome both Steve Yeager and the great Legends Sports Bar and Grill back to Long Beach. The first 100 fans to appear for the meet-and-greet will get a free Steve Yeager baseball card and a coupon for a free appetizer at Legends. A Raffle will be held to give away prizes such as a commemorative 1981 World Series baseball, a $25 Legends Gift Certificate, a Rawlings leather baseball wallet, and various Armada memorabilia. Legends Sports Bar and Grill is located at 5236 2nd Street in the heart of Belmont Shore in Long Beach. Come try the "Long Beach Armada Burger" at the great Legends Sports Bar and Grill. For more information, contact the Armada corporate office at (562) 498-HITS (4487).

About the Long Beach Armada

The Long Beach Armada enters their fourth season of play as an independent professional minor league ballclub in May of 2008 as part of the Golden Baseball League. Advancing to the GBL Championship Series last season, the team has had 15 players purchased off their roster by Major League organizations in the last three years. Playing at historic Blair Field in Long Beach, information on the Armada's 2008 schedule and tickets can be found at www.longbeacharmada.com.

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