Brian Daubach to Manage Suns in 2011
The Suns' 2010 manager, Matt LeCroy, has been promoted to the Potomac Nationals, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the parent club.
Daubach, a former World Champion, who was drafted by the New York Mets in 1990 and enjoyed two stints with the Boston Red Sox during a seven-season Major League career, has earned his first affiliated Minor League Baseball managerial opportunity.
"I'm very excited," says Daubach. "The Nationals are loaded with young prospects, and I'm ready to take on this opportunity. I've managed before, but now I have the chance to take on the daily responsibilities of managing a Minor League season."
Daubach's former coaching tenures featured the 2008 season as hitting coach of the Can-Am League's Nashua Pride before taking over as manager of its successor, the American Defenders of New Hampshire, in 2009. Daubach would serve an additional term as skipper of the Pittsfield Colonials (formerly the American Defenders) during the 2010 season.
"The Nationals have been drafting high and they have a talented crop, many of whom will get to play in Hagerstown. I really want to turn this season into something special," Daubach says.
The former first baseman, outfielder, and designated hitter knows well the trials and tribulations of the Minor League landscape. Daubach, who made his Major League debut in September of 1998 with the Florida Marlins, labored for seven years in the Mets' farm system before breaking through to the big stage.
"I've been through what these kids are going through...seasons of injuries, struggles, and good times too. The hardest part is overcoming adversity, and pushing through the grind of a season in the Minors," explains Daubach.
Daubach earned a reputation as an original member of the Red Sox's "Dirt Dog" bunch who were labeled for their gritty, blue-collar work ethic. In 2004, the Suns' new skipper celebrated a World Series title as the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in a sweep, reversing the "Curse of the Bambino."
The Suns' new manager will look to use his own versatility to foster solid chemistry in the clubhouse.
"My goal is to help our players reach the next level. Hitting wise and position wise, I have a lot to offer. I've taken a little from every manager I have played for, and I've learned that communication is the key," says Daubach.
In 661 career games, Daubach swatted 93 home runs and drove in 333 runs, while maintaining a .259 batting average.
Suns' General Manager, Bill Farley, says of Daubach's hiring, "We are very excited to have Brian on board. He has an extensive baseball track record that will really help our players."
Daubach will be joined on the Suns' staff by a pair of fellow MLB veterans.
Returning for his second campaign as the Suns' pitching coach is Chris Michalak. The southpaw product of the University of Notre Dame owned a career record of 10-15, compiling an ERA of 4.70. Michalak pitched for Arizona, Toronto, Texas, and Cincinnati during his four-season Major League career. Under Michalak, the Suns pitching staff posted a 4.50 ERA for a ballclub that finished the season 66-74.
Joining the Suns for his first season as the team's hitting coach is former second baseman, Marlon Anderson. The Philadelphia Phillies' 2nd round pick out of the 1995 MLB Amateur Draft played twelve seasons in "the show." Anderson was a career .265 hitter that collected 63 home runs and 371 RBI, while being widely regarded as one of the best pinch hitters in the game. In fact, in his first Major League at-bat on September 8, 1998, Anderson, who was entered into the game as a pinch-hitter, ripped a home run off Mel Rojas of the New York Mets.
Anderson had arguably his best Major League season in 2006 as a member of the Nationals. Anderson hit .297 during the '06 campaign, while playing 109 games for the Nats before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Jhonny Nunez.
Anderson replaces former Suns' hitting coach, Tony Tarasco, who is now a roving Minor League coordinator assigned to outfielders and base runners in the Nationals organization.
The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Hagerstown Baseball LLC.