Tom Herr introduced as Barnstormers first manager
Published on November 5, 2004 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
Tom Herr has been named as the first-ever manager of the Lancaster Barnstormers, it was announced at a press conference on Friday morning by Keystone Baseball President Jon Danos.
Herr, a lifelong resident of Lancaster, had a 13-year Major League career with five teams, most notably the St. Louis Cardinals from 1979-1988. His best season came in 1985, when he batted .302 with, 110 RBI, 97 runs, 38 doubles and 31 stolen bases, on his way to playing in the All-Star game and helping his team to the World Series.
Since retiring after the 1991 season, the 48-year-old has been an assistant coach for 12 seasons for the baseball team at his high school alma mater, Hempfield High in Landisville, PA., where he has coached his two sons. He has also been an assistant coach for the basketball and football teams the last several years, along with manager of the Hempfield American Legion baseball team.
"We have been conducting this search for many weeks and have talked to numerous qualified candidates, but in the end we kept coming back to Tom Herr," said Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Keith Lupton. "Thru his experiences in the game, it is clear that he shares our philosophy on how the game should be played and how to treat players. We think Tom is a perfect fit to lead our team here in Lancaster."
During his playing career, Herr batted .271 with 28 homers, 574 RBI, 676 runs scored and 188 stolen bases in 1,514 games. He, along with Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, formed one of the best double play combinations in baseball, three times leading league in twin killings.
Herr was originally signed by the Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1974 and made his big league debut on August 13, 1979. After parts of ten seasons in St. Louis, he was traded 15 games into the 1988 season to Minnesota, in exchange for Tom Brunansky. Following that season, he was traded once again, this time to Philadelphia, where he spent nearly two full seasons. At the end of the 1990 season, Herr was dealt to the New York Mets, who released him near the conclusion of the 1991 campaign. Herr immediately signed with San Francisco and finished his 1991 season, and playing career, with the Giants before his retirement.
"This is almost too good to be true, being able to manage in my hometown," said Herr. "I have been looking forward to the return of baseball to Lancaster for quite some time and this will be an extension of my involvement and love for this community. I know it will be a great experience for me and my family."
Herr played in three World Series' (won in '82, lost in '85 and '87), where he batted .190 with one homer and six RBI. In his All-Star season of 1985, Herr finished fifth in the National League MVP balloting, which was won that season by teammate Willie McGee. He also was in the top ten in several offensive categories in 1985, including RBI (3rd), doubles (3rd), runs (8th), hits (9th) and batting average (9th).
"Tom is the kind of guy that you want leading your team," said Hall of Famer and Barnstormers Special Assistant Brooks Robinson. "Not only does he have the baseball credentials to do a great job on the field, but his love for Lancaster will make him a perfect fit in the community."
At Hempfield High, Herr had the opportunity to coach both of his sons, Jordan (18) and Aaron (23). Aaron is currently a member of the Atlanta Braves organization, while Jordan is a senior in high school. Tom and his wife, Kim, reside in Lancaster.
"We have a lot of work to do in creating a roster and getting ready for next spring," said Herr. "I want to create an environment where everybody is on the same page to do whatever it takes to win and be competitive. I can't wait to get started."
Atlantic League Stories from November 5, 2004
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