Terry Bradshaw Named Coach of the Year

SPRINGDALE, AR - The Northwest Arkansas Naturals hitting Coach Terry Bradshaw has been named the Mike Coolbaugh Texas League Coach of the Year. The award is named for Mike Coolbaugh, a longtime Minor League player who died at age 35 when he was struck by a batted ball while coaching first base for Tulsa on July 22, 2007.

The Mike Coolbaugh award began being presented in 2008. The award goes to an individual who has shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game, and skill mentoring young players.

Terry was selected in recognition of his continuing record of success with hitters in the Kansas City system. He has consistently helped young hitters adjust to the Double-A level and advance to Triple-A, ready to continue the success they attained in the Texas League.

While, 2012 has been less successful for the Naturals than previous seasons, Bradshaw has continued to patiently prepare his charges for the next level, this past season, most notably Wil Myers, who became a sensation in the Pacific Coast League after he tore through the Texas League during the first five weeks of the 2012 season, hitting .343, with 13 home runs and 30 RBI in 35 games.

During his five years in the Texas League, the list of current Major League players Bradshaw has helped fine tune include Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez, Alex Gordon, and Eric Hosmer, the core of future success of the Kansas City Royals.

Prior to coaching in Northwest Arkansas, Bradshaw spent five years as the hitting coach for Triple-A Omaha and spent four other seasons as a hitting coach in the Royals organization: Wilmington (2002-2003), Burlington (2001), and Charleston (2000).

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.