Turner Ward Named BayBears Manager
Ward, a Satsuma native, has been the hitting coach for the BayBears the past three seasons after serving as manager of the State College Spikes of the Single-A NewYork-Penn League in 2007. Ward also was manager of the Rookie-level Bradenton Pirates in 2006, leading them to a second place finish.
Drafted in the 18th-round of the 1986 draft by the New York Yankees, Ward attended Faulkner State Junior College and the University of South Alabama. He was a member of the Blue Jays, back-to-back World Series championship teams in 1992 and 1993 and wrapped up his career after 12 seasons with the Phillies in 2001. He played in 626 big-league games for the Indians, Blue Jays, Brewers, Pirates, Diamondbacks and Phillies, compiling a .251 batting average.
Turner's best year was in 1997 with Pittsburgh as he posted a .353 average in 71 games for the Pirates. Ward also has some postseason success on his resume as a member of the Diamondbacks --- belting a two-run homer in Game 3 of the 1999 NLDS against the New York Mets.
"My family and I are very excited about this opportunity," Ward said. "To do what I love in the city I grew up in is such a great honor. I know a lot of times people think Alabama is a football state, but the baseball history is so much deeper. Guys like Hank Aaron and Ozzie Smith started here and that just shows the importance of baseball to this city."
BayBears President Bill Shanahan stated, "We would like to thank the Arizona Diamondbacks organization for making this possible. What a great opportunity for Turner to be able to manage the hometown team. I believe this could be the first time that this has happened at the Double-A level. Turner is man of great integrity and character and has my respect, as well as that of the BayBears players and front office staff. We are all very excited!"
Last year's BayBears team won the wild-card to reach the Southern League playoffs, and Ward's focus is to take that success and build and even stronger team.
"The greatest challenge is always to bring a diverse group together for one common goal," Ward said. "Last year's team was unique. It was not the most talented team but played hard every game. I'm looking forward to next year."
Turner and his wife Donna have three children (Tucker, Kendall and Olin).
The full coaching staff for the 2011 season will be announced later this week.
The Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball Club begins the 2011 season April 7th on the road against the Carolina Mudcats. Mobile opens the home schedule April 13th against the Mississippi Braves. For more information call 251-479-BEAR or log onto: www.mobilebaybears.com.