The Rock returns
Published on January 31, 2007 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release
Wilmington, DE - The Wilmington Blue Rocks will formally introduce former skipper John Mizerock as the team's manager for the 2007 season in a press conference this Tuesday, February 6 at the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in Wilmington. Fans are encouraged to attend the 11:30 a.m. event to help welcome back the familiar figure and local product as he begins his second tour of duty with Wilmington.
Mizerock previously served as manager of the Blue Rocks from 1995-1997, compiling a record of 225-193 (.538). While in Wilmington, he led the club to three half championships, two Northern Division titles and one Carolina League Mills Cup championship in 1996. Though his greatest presence was felt as Blue Rocks manager, Mizerock's imprint on the Delaware sports scene was not limited to just the Rocks. In its lone year of existence, Mizerock manned the helm of the Delaware Stars of the Maryland Fall League in 1998, leading them to a 21-20 mark.
A native of Punxsutawney, PA, Mizerock spent nine seasons as a manager in the Royals minor league system with stops in Eugene (1993; SS-Northwest), Rockford (1994; A-Midwest), Wilmington, Wichita (1998-99; AA-Texas) and Omaha (2000-01; AAA-Pacific Coast). The skipper was named Manager of the Year by Baseball America in 1999. In 1996, he garnered the Dick Howser Award for outstanding contributions to the Royals organization for player development.
In 2002, Mizerock joined the Royals' major league staff as the bullpen coach. He reached the pinnacle of his profession when he was named interim manager of the Royals from April 30-May 14, replacing Tony Muser. He went 5-8 in 13 games before returning to the bullpen as part of Tony Pena's coaching staff. Mizerock served as third base coach for the Royals in 2003-04 and returned to the minor league operations staff as the catching instructor for the past two seasons.
Selected by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 1979 draft, Mizerock was a catcher for parts of five seasons at the major league level (1983-89). He homered in his major league debut on August 16, 1983 at Cincinnati. After the 1986 season, he signed with Montreal in December, before signing with Atlanta in April 1987. He played for both Richmond (AAA-International) and Atlanta for the next three seasons and retired following the 1990 season at Richmond.
The Blue Rocks open the home portion of their 2007 season on Friday, April 13 with a 7:05 tilt against the Salem Avalanche. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, February 5. To order, call (302) 888-BLUE or visit www.bluerocks.com.
Carolina League Stories from January 31, 2007
- The Rock returns - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Rocky's Reading Challenge Program set for 2007 - Wilmington Blue Rocks
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