Meet Brian Rupp
Wilmington, DE - New Wilmington Blue Rocks manager Brian Rupp officially introduced himself to the local media during a press conference at the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Rupp spoke of his eagerness to become a part of the Wilmington community, and his love for the game of baseball during the hour-long presser, which was attended by Kansas City Royals' director of minor league operations, Scott Sharp.
Last season, Rupp led the Royals' Low A affiliate, the Burlington Bees, to a 73-65 regular-season record and their first Midwest League Championship since 1999. Under his tutelage, the Bees went from being the worst team in their division over the first half (30-39) to a league-best record and division title in the second half (43-26), winning the half crown by 3.5 games. The team played its best baseball in the final month of the season. Including a 6-0 playoff record, the Bees went 27-9 from August 1 on. The Midwest League named the Bees champions in a rain-shortened final.
Rupp mentioned several times on Tuesday that he was hopeful much of that '08 Bees squad would be joining him in Wilmington in 2009. The 37-year-old said being familiar with his players and having a history of success with them could help smooth his transition to the Carolina League. He also stressed that he wanted to continue to build on the 2008 Blue Rocks' penchant for aggressive play, stating it would be a hallmark of his teams. Wilmington led all of minor league baseball with 258 stolen bases last season.
The 2009 campaign will be Rupp's sixth season in the Royals organization and ninth as a minor league manager. His career managerial record sits at 361-363 (.499). His resume also boasts four playoff appearances, two trips to a league final and one championship. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 43rd round of the 1992 draft, Rupp played for seven seasons in the Cardinals minor league system, mostly as a first baseman and outfielder. He reached as high as the Triple-A level. The former University of Missouri-St. Louis Triton won both the Arizona League batting title and MVP award in his first professional season. He also collected the South Atlantic League's batting crown in 1993 and hit .295 on his career over 742 games.
After his playing career, Rupp joined the Cardinals minor league coaching staff and served as manager for Low-A Peoria (1999), Short-Season New Jersey (2001) and Rookie Johnson City (2002). He also spent the 2000 season as hitting coach for Double-A Arkansas. After joining the Royals organization, he managed Idaho Falls from 2004-07 before mentoring the Bees in 2008. Rupp resides in Florissant, MO with his wife, Stacie, and son, Andrew.
For one-on-one interviews with Rupp and Sharp conducted by the Blue Rocks Radio Network, click the respective links below:
www.bluerocks.com