X's and Kirkpatrick finalize deal
Published on January 19, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Sioux City Explorers News Release
Sioux City, IA: The Sioux City Explorers announced earlier today that they have finalized a deal with Jay Kirkpatrick, which will bring him back as the Explorers Field Manager for the 2004 Northern League season. Kirkpatrick will also serve as the teams Director of Player Personnel, a role he took over in June of 2003.
"We are thrilled to have Jay returning for the 2004 season," comments General Manager Chuck Robbins. "Jay has been working diligently this off-season to improve his roster and we fully expect him to field a team that Siouxland will be proud of both on and off the field."
In Kirkpatrick's first season as the X's manager, the team finished with a 33-56 record overall; however, the team was highly competitive in the second half of the season and was still alive in the playoff race with two weeks remaining on the schedule. In July of this past season, Kirkpatrick was selected as a coach for the 2003 Northern League All-Star game in Lincoln, Nebraska. At that time, he was instrumental in Pichi Balet's signing by the Seattle Mariners organization.
Kirkpatrick, a veteran of eleven professional baseball seasons as a player, will be entering his fifth season with the X's organization and fourth overall as a member of the coaching staff. In 2000 and 2001, Jay served as the X's hitting coach while also splitting playing time at first base and as the team's designated hitter. Kirkpatrick was originally acquired by the X's on July 18, 1999 and led his team to a second half title in the Northern League Central's West Division. The club went 27-14 after acquiring Kirkpatrick, as he rocked opposing pitchers with a .434 batting average, eight homeruns, 43 RBI and a .662 slugging percentage in just 40 games.
The 34-year old Kirkpatrick returned to the X's in 2000 as a player/coach and continued his torrid pace at the plate posting a .292 batting average with 19 homeruns and 75 RBI. He also ranked among the league leaders in several categories, including RBI's (fifth), homeruns (fourth), on-base percentage (fifth), walks (second) and intentional walks (first). The former Chinese Professional Baseball League Triple Crown winner saw his playing days end in 2001 after splitting time between the X's and the Duluth-Superior Dukes.
"It's a thrill to be returning to the X's with the added expectations of putting the team together that I get to manage," comments Kirkpatrick. "From the day last season ended, I was evaluating the guys we have coming back and looking at our core group of players that will help us build a tradition instead of building a new ballclub every year."
Jay and his wife Leslie, currently reside near Bronson, IA and both work at Gehlen Catholic School in LeMars, IA. Jay serves as the Dean of Students for grades 7-12 while Leslie is a religion teacher for grades 7-12 and also serves as the girls golf coach. While not working, Jay spends his time giving baseball and softball lessons to area kids. His farm is equipped with a pair of batting cages along with a weight room. The facilitates allow him to teach the fundamentals of the game year round.
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NOTES: The Explorers are looking for host families for the 2004 Northern League season. Families taking part in the Explorers Host Family program will receive numerous benefits. Interested parties may obtain more information by contacting the Explorers front office at (712) 277-9467.
Northern League Stories from January 19, 2004
- X's and Kirkpatrick finalize deal - Sioux City Explorers
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