Jewett and Meulens will not return in 2009

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians have announced that Manager Trent Jewett and Hitting Coach Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens will not be returning to the Tribe for the 2009 season.

Over the past four seasons, Jewett and Meulens have led the Tribe to a 291-281 mark, including a share of the International League's West Division crown in 2006 and a trip to IL's Governors' Cup Finals in 2005.

"We appreciate the effort and professionalism that Trent and Bam Bam gave us during their time with the Indians, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors," said Tribe Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson.

Jewett has spent 17 seasons as an instructor in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, during which time he has amassed a 989-990 managerial record. A native of Dallas, Texas, Jewett was honored by Baseball America as the International League's "Best Manager Prospect" in 2007.

Meulens enjoyed a 17-year professional career, including eight seasons in the New York Yankees organization, before joining the coaching ranks in 2003. Fluent in English, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and Papiamento, "Bam Bam" became the first person from the island of Curacao to play in the Major Leagues, when he made his debut with the Yankees in 1989.