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Williams Returns to Manage BlueClaws in 2016

December 15, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


Lakewood BlueClaws Manager Shawn Williams
Lakewood BlueClaws Manager Shawn Williams
(Jersey Shore BlueClaws)

Shawn Williams will return to manage the BlueClaws in 2016, it was announced by the Phillies on Tuesday. He will be joined on the staff by coach Nelson Prada, also a returnee, and pitching coach Brian Sweeney.

Williams led the BlueClaws to a 73-65 record in 2015. He is just the fourth manager in franchise history to manage the BlueClaws in consecutive seasons, following PJ Forbes (2004-05), Steve Roadcap (2007-08), and Mickey Morandini (2012-13).

Before joining the BlueClaws last year, Williams, 32, managed Williamsport in 2014, his first as a manager. He was a player/coach with the Crosscutters in 2013 following the conclusion of his playing career. He spent four seasons (2007-10) in the Tampa Bay minor league system while also playing in the American Association (2006), Can-Am League (2010-11) and the Atlantic League (2010 & 2012).

Prada returns to the BlueClaws for his second year as the team's hitting coach. Last year, he oversaw the development of three players - Carlos Tocci, Rhys Hoskins, and Malquin Canelo - who played in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game, and a fourth - Herlis Rodriguez - who was named to the league's Post-Season All-Star Team. He also served as the hitting coach for Glendale in the 2015 Arizona Fall League.

Before joining the BlueClaws last year, Prada managed Clearwater in 2014 and Williamsport in 2013. He also spent 1995-2012 with the Twins as a minor league player, manager, and coach. He managed the GCL Twins from 2005-07 and Beloit in the Midwest League from 2008-12.

Sweeney enters his second season with the Phillies after serving as the pitching coach for the Gulf Coast Phillies last year. He helped the GCL Phillies to a 36-24 mark and their team ERA of 2.72 was tied for the third best in the league.

Takayuki Sakurai returns for his second year as the athletic trainer while Scott Smith will serve as the strength & conditioning coach.

The 2016 season opens on April 7th in Lexington and the BlueClaws return to FirstEnergy Park for Opening Day on April 14th against Greensboro.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore's top stop for affordable, family entertianment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 15 years of existence.

2016 BlueClaws ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

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Lakewood BlueClaws Manager Shawn Williams
Lakewood BlueClaws Manager Shawn Williams
   



South Atlantic League Stories from December 15, 2015


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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