Sandberg Named IronPigs Manager
"I am totally pumped about this opportunity," Sandberg said via a conference call on Monday afternoon. "It's coming back to my roots in the Phillies' organization. In a lot of ways, I feel like a young kid again."
"This is another landmark moment in the history of our franchise" remarked IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. "In addition to being a Hall of Fame player, Ryne Sandberg is one of Minor League Baseball's premier managers and we are ecstatic to welcome him to the Lehigh Valley!"
Sandberg, 51, spent the last four seasons as a manager in the Chicago Cubs' minor league system with Single-A Peoria (2007-08), Double-A Tennessee (2009) and Triple-A Iowa (2010). He led his clubs to two first-place finishes and, overall, has a managerial record of 284-277-1 (.505). This past season, his first as a Triple-A manager, Sandberg was named Manager of the Year in the Pacific Coast League after leading the Iowa Cubs to a tie for the best record in the Northern Division (82-62).
A 2005 inductee to Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame, Sandberg was a 10-time National League All-Star and won nine Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger awards during his 16-year career (1981-94, 1996-97). He was originally drafted by the Phillies in 1978 and made his major league debut with the club in 1981, appearing in 13 games. Sandberg finished his career with a .285 batting average, 282 home runs, 1,061 RBI and 344 stolen bases in 2,164 games. At the time of his retirement, his 277 home runs as a second baseman was a major league record.
Sandberg becomes just the second manager in IronPigs history, replacing Dave Huppert. In three season's guiding the IronPigs, Huppert's clubs went 184-247 (.427), including 58-85 in 2010.
The remainder of the IronPigs 2011 player development staff will be announced at a later date.
To renew or order season tickets and partial plans for the 2011 IronPigs season presented by Capital BlueCross, call (610) 841-PIGS or visit Coca-Cola Park's ticket office during normal business hours. Nine-Game plans, including the brand-new "Spring" plan featuring a ticket to Opening Day on Thursday, April 7, go on sale to the general public tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.
IronPigs Snap Losing Streak in Andrew Painter’s Triple-A Debut
Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 8, 2025) – A two-run single in the sixth inning from Óscar Mercado propelling the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (24-12) to a 3-1 win rain-shortened win over the Worcester Red Sox (18-17) in Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter’s triple-A debut on Thursday night at Coca-Cola Park Christian Arroyo
Rodolfo Castro Homers as ‘Pigs Suffer Third Straight Defeat
Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 7, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (23-12) lost their third consecutive game for the first time this season, dropping a 6-4 decision to the Worcester Red Sox (17816) on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola Park. Roman Anthony singled to begin the game and Marcelo Mayer tripled him
Phillies Top Prospect Andrew Painter Set to Debut for IronPigs May 8th
Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 6, 2025) – The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that top pitching prospect Andrew Painter will debut for the IronPigs on Thursday, May 8th against the Worcester Red Sox at Coca-Cola Park. First pitch is slated for 6:45 p.m. The Phillies announced Painter’s next probable start for Thursday,
IronPigs Fall in Extras to WooSox to Open Series
Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 6, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (24-11) began their series with the Worcester Red Sox (17-16) by falling 6-4 in 10 innings on Tuesday morning at Coca-Cola Park. The ‘Pigs cracked the scoreboard first in the second inning. With two outs, Cal Stevenson doubled home Garrett
Otto Kemp Named International League Player of the Week
Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 5, 2025) – Minor League Baseball and the International League have announced that IronPigs infielder Otto Kemp has been named International League Player of the Week for the week of April 28 thru May 4. Over the past week, Kemp appeared in all six games the ‘Pigs
Otto Kemp Named April International League Player of the Month
Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 5, 2025) – Lehigh Valley IronPigs infielder Otto Kemp has been named the International League Player of the Month for April as announced by Minor League Baseball. Kemp slashed .330/.421/.711 for a 1.132 OPS in the month. He played in 25 games, accumulating 11 doubles, one triple,
IronPigs Split Doubleheader with Red Wings
Rochester, New York (May 4, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (24-10) earned a doubleheader split against the Rochester Red Wings (8-24), winning the front end 13-1 before getting walked off on in eight innings in a 7-6 loss in the back end on Sunday afternoon at Innovative Field. Game
IronPigs and Red Wings Postponed on Saturday, May 3rd
Rochester, New York (May 3, 2025) – The Saturday, May 3rd game between the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Rochester Red Wings at Innovative Field has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader beginning at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, May 4th,
‘Pigs Drop Wacky, Wild, See-Saw Contest to Red Wings as Otto Kemp Drives in Four with Four Hits
Rochester, New York (May 2, 2025) – Trailing 8-1 after six innings, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (22-9) roared all the way back to take the lead but ultimately could not finish the deal in a 15-14 loss in 10 innings to the Rochester Red Wings (7-23) on Friday night at
Rush Hour release: Team Detours to “Traffic” themefor ‘Salute to Lehigh Valley’ 2025
Allentown, Pennsylvania (May 1, 2025) – Hate it. Loathe it. Plan for it. Try to avoid it. It comes for us all. It is Traffic. In honor of the one thing in the Lehigh Valley that has touched everyone’s lives, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs will be transforming into the ‘Lehigh
Rehabbing Brandon Marsh Homers and Drives in Three as ‘Pigs Coast by Red Wings
Rochester, New York (May 1, 2025) – Three runs in the first inning set the stage for a wire-to-wire victory as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (22-8) coasted to an 8-1 win over the Rochester Red Wings (6-23) on Thursday morning at Innovative Field. Justin Crawford doubled to begin the game
Clutch Cade Fergus Powers ‘Pigs Late Rally in Ninth for Third Straight Win
Rochester, New York (April 30, 2025) – After being shutout for the first eight innings, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (21-8) improbably rallied for four runs in the ninth to snatch a 4-2 win over the Rochester Red Wings (6-22) on Wednesday night at Innovative Field. The Red Wings broke the
‘Pigs Demolish Red Wings for Franchise-Record Margin of Victory
Rochester, New York (April 29, 2025) – On the strength of 16 hits, including nine extra-base hits, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (20-8) trounced the Rochester Red Wings (6-21) by a final of 19-1 in a rain-shortened eight-inning win on Tuesday night at Innovative Field. The 18-run win is the largest
Forged by Fire: IronPigs Celebrate the Lehigh Valley’s Rich Steel Manufacturing History with new “Steel Workers” Identity, Night
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 28, 2025) – In an additional nod to the region’s rich history intertwined with the production of steel, the IronPigs have announced a new unique alternate identity. The IronPigs, famous for unique brand identities and for paying homage to the local region, will play as the Steel
‘Pigs Rally in Eighth to Take Five of Six from Clippers
‘Pigs Rally in Eighth to Take Five of Six from Clippers Ranger Suárez strikes out eight in his second rehab start for Lehigh Valley Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 27, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (19-8) pulled off their first late comeback of the season, plating two runs in the eighth
‘Pigs Winning Streak Snapped by Clippers in Extras
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 26, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (18-8) had their five-game winning streak snapped by the Columbus Clippers (13-11) by a final of 8-5 in 10 innings on Saturday night at Coca-Cola Park. Johnathan Rodriguez provided the offense early for the Clippers, driving in a run in
‘Pigs Bats Bash Clippers for Fifth Straight Win and Best Start in Franchise History
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 25, 2025) – From the jump the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (18-7) bats were clicking, pounding out 16 hits en route to an 11-3 win over the Columbus Clippers (12-11) on Friday night at Coca-Cola Park. It was straight from the get-go for the ‘Pigs bats as Justin
Cade Fergus Slams Walk-Off Homer for ‘Pigs Fourth Straight Win
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 24, 2025) – Cade Fergus saved the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (17-7) after they blew a four-run lead, belting a walk-off two-run homer in the 10th inning for a 7-5 win over the Columbus Clippers (12-8) on Thursday night at Coca-Cola Park. With Nabil Crismatt rolling and throwing
Mick Abel Dazzles as ‘Pigs Roll to Third Straight Win
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 23, 2025) – In a fantastic showing, Mick Abel spun seven marvelous frame of one-run baseball to lead the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (16-7) past the Columbus Clippers (12-8) by a final of 2-1 on Wednesday night at Coca-Cola Park. Columbus actually got the first run of the
Ranger Suárez Pitches ‘Pigs to Victory Over Columbus
Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 22, 2025) – A pristine outing for Ranger Suárez and a steady offensive barrage guided the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (15-7) past the Columbus Clippers (12-8) by a final of 7-3 on Tuesday night at Coca-Cola Park. Giving Suárez an early lead to work with, the ‘Pigs scored
Pristine Pitching Leads ‘Pigs to Series Split with Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 20, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (14-7) used stellar pitching and timely two-out hitting to earn a series split with the Gwinnett Stripers (10-10) thanks to a 3-1 win on Sunday afternoon at CoolRay Field. The Stripers cracked the scoreboard first in the last of the
Buddy Kennedy Collects Two Hits and Reaches Base Four Times but ‘Pigs Fall to Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 19, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-7) saw an early 2-0 lead slip through their fingers as they fell 6-3 to the Gwinnett Stripers (10-9) on Saturday night at CoolRay Field. The ‘Pigs opened the scoring in the second inning. Kennedy and Óscar Mercado walked to
Nabil Crismatt Earns Second Straight Win as ‘Pigs Rally to Top Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 18, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (13-6) snapped a mini two-game losing streak by coming back from an early deficit for a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (9-9) on Friday night at CoolRay Field. Gwinnett started the scoring in the second innings as Eddys Leonard
IronPigs Walked-Off on for the First Time this Season by Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 17, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-6) endured their first walk-off loss of the season as they fell 3-2 to the Gwinnett Stripers (9-8) 8-4 on Thursday night at CoolRay Field. The ‘Pigs started off with some small ball as Cal Stevenson and Justin Crawford each
IronPigs Doubled Up by Stripers
Lawrenceville, Georgia (April 16, 2025) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (12-5) ended up on the wrong end of an early back-and-forth affair, getting doubled up by the Gwinnett Stripers (8-8) 8-4 on Wednesday night at CoolRay Field. Gwinnett got to work quickly, scoring twice in the first inning. Three straight