Former Ports Coaching in the World Series

Two previous Ports players and one former manager are playing essential roles in their teams making it to the 2013 Fall Classic. Mike Matheny, current St. Louis Cardinals Manager, and Juan Nieves, current Boston Red Sox pitching coach, both played in Ports jerseys, while Arnie Beyeler, current Boston Red Sox first base coach, managed the Ports to postseason. The three have now found themselves coaching for Major League teams on the largest stage in baseball.

 

Mike Matheny, Manager, St. Louis Cardinals

After being drafted by the Brewers in the eighth round, he joined the Ports in 1992. During his time with the Ports, he held a .989 fielding percentage in 104 games. In 333 plate appearances, he batted .219, with 46 RBI and six homeruns.

Matheny made his Major League debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1994. During his career, Matheny accumulated four Rawlings Gold Glove Awards and owns the Major League record for errorless games caught with 252, peaking with a .9988 fielding percentage in 2005. After spending the majority of his career with the Cardinals, he ended his career with 67 homeruns and a .239 batting average in 13 Major League seasons.

Matheny is currently in his second season with the St. Louis Cardinals, beginning his managing career in 2012. Last season, Matheny became the first manager to take the Cardinals to the postseason in his inaugural season since 1946. In both of his seasons managing the Cardinals, Matheny has taken the team to the postseason.

 

Juan Nieves, Pitching Coach, Boston Red Sox

Nieves was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1983 and joined the Ports the next season in 1984. With the Ports, he posted a 10-3 record and 3.54 ERA, with five complete games.

In 1986, Nieves made his Major League debut with the Milwaukee Brewers. After spending all three of his Major League seasons with the Brewers, he finished with a 4.71 ERA and 32-25 record. In 1987, Nieves became the first Brewers pitchers to throw a no-hitter.

Nieves is in his first season as the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox. He began coaching with various Minor League teams, including affiliates of the Chicago White Sox. In 2008, he landed the position of bullpen coach for the White Sox. This is Nieves second postseason, his first with the White Sox in 2008, and it is his first World Series appearance.

 

Arnie Beyeler, First Base Coach, Boston Red Sox

Prior becoming the first base coach for the Red Sox, Beyeler served as a manager and hitting coach in Minor League, starting in 1996. During his time managing in Minor League Baseball, he led Boston's Triple-A affiliate to the team's first Governor's Cup Championship win and has won various managing awards, including Baseball America's Top Managerial Prospect for the Eastern League in 2010. In 2003 and 2004 he joined the Ports as manager, leading the team to the California League playoffs both seasons. In 2003 the Ports ended with a 77-63 record and in 2004, a 72-68 record.

Beyeler is in his first season with the Boston Red Sox, and this will be his first World Series.