Managerial search
October 4, 2007 by Jason Guarente
The candidates so far …
Tom Herr * Butch Hobson * Wally Backman * Pete Incaviglia * Gary Carter * Les Lancaster * Paul Blair * Ryan Minor
The Barnstormers’ managerial search is still in the early stages. The team has identified some candidates, but isn’t close to making a decision. It could take weeks for the position to be filled.
Tom Herr remains a central figure in the process. He and team president Jon Danos met last week to discuss the opening and the direction of the Barnstormers’ baseball operations.
On the surface, it would appear that it’s Herr’s job if he wants it. Danos said that’s not necessarily the case.
“I don’t know if I’d identify it that way,” Danos said. “Tom is a qualified candidate. He’s a good candidate because the players respect him and know his managerial style. There are questions about the makeup of the club and whether his style will fit the club. There are questions about his involvement in assembling the team. It’s still early, but there has definitely been serious dialogue.”
Although Herr is interested in returning to the Barnstormers, his first choice is to land with a big-league organization. He’s looking for the right fit.
“My position hasn’t changed as far as what my timetable is,” Herr said. “I’m in the process of getting resumes out to a lot of organziations. It’s still too early to make a call as to what is going to happen. I have had some interest from a few teams.”
The Cardinals, Rockies and Red Sox have expressed interest in Herr.
The Barnstormers have identified seven other candidates. Many of them are recognizable names. Such as …
BUTCH HOBSON
Former manager of the Boston Red Sox. Managed in the Atlantic League with the Nashua Pride from 2000-05 and in the Can-Am League in 2006-07. Won championships in 2000 and this past season. Hobson is still under contract with the Pride, which may fold before the start of next season. He also figures to be a hot commodity in other indy leagues and may want to manage closer to his home in California.
WALLY BACKMAN
Was named manager of the Diamondbacks for four days before revelations about his past, including a DUI, led to his dismissal. Spent eight years in organized ball, mostly with the White Sox, and won a Double-A title in the Southern League in 2002. Spent last season in the independent South Coast League. The Barnstormers have contacted Backman’s agent and have expressed interest.
PETE INCAVIGLIA
A member of the Phillies’ 1993 National League championship team. Played for the Nashua Pride in 2000. Has served as a hitting coach with the Detroit Tigers’ Double-A team in Erie.
GARY CARTER
A Hall of Fame catcher with no prior managerial experience. Carter contacted head of baseball operations Adam Gladstone and expressed in interest in managing in the Atlantic League. The Barnstormers and Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are the only teams with vacancies.
LES LANCASTER
A former big-league pitcher who played for the Cubs, Tigers and Cardinals. He was the Golden League’s manager of the year after winning a championship with the Reno Silver Sox in 2006.
PAUL BLAIR
Won four World Series rings during his 17-year big-league career spent mostly with the Orioles. Coached at the college level with Fordham and Coppin State and managed in the independent Empire State League.
RYAN MINOR
Former Barnstormers player who has served as a coach in the Atlantic League for the Road Warriors and York Revolution the past two seasons. He could be a strong candidate to manage the expansion Blue Crabs.
One decision has been made: Rick Wise will not return as manager. He’s interested in coming back as pitching coach, a role he has filled under Herr and Hobson in the past.
“He enjoyed the experience and appreciated the experience of being a manager,” Danos said. “But Rick believes in his heart that he’s a pitching coach.”
Wow. There is some “well known” names on the list. I wonder if Les is related to Sydney? It is going to be interesting to see how it all pans out, especially the roll of BASA.
Gary Carter particularly woud be an interesting choice. Was always a favorite player of mine growing up.
Mike
WALLY BACKMAN?!?!?!?!?!?
You’ve got to be kidding me. Backman would make this team the laughingstock of the Atlantic League. Here’s a sample of his antics with the Peanuts last season:
http://www.independentmail.com/news/2007/jun/26/backman-has-meltdown/
I would prefer any of the other candidates over this guy.
After yesterday’s mess in Phila, maybe Charlie Manual’s name will be added to the list (LOL).
No a good day for the Phils. Almost lost my voice from yelling at the game. The place was so loud, and then the grand slam! It was like the Battan Death March after that. Remember, it’s not over till it’s over. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! ….. LET GO PHILS!
My vote is for Ryan Minor! Oh, that’s right fans and bloggers don’t get much of say around here. Well, if I had a vote, it would be for Minor.
I’m not sure how fans here would receive someone like Backman. My guess is not well. He is accomplished. He won the Sporting News minor league manager of the year for all of organized ball in 2004 and was the SCL’s top manager last season.
One thing is for sure: With Backman in the dugout, life would never be dull at the Clip.
But life is never dull at the stadium anyway Jason!
Hey Stormin…can you not mention BASA in every post that you make? Its getting old really fast.
Well, if the Atlantic League is more about entertainment than good baseball, Wallys World seems like the best choice.
It would be cool to see Gary Carter give it a whirl. He has to start somewhere and hell…. he’s Gary Carter. They should tell him that he has to grow out his white guy fro if he joins the team.
Hobson gets my vote.
Not trying to start a war here but let’s not be too harsh on Wally Backman. A few months ago I made a post that I was sitting 3 rows from the field at a game JT got tossed from. He dropped the F bomb numerous times which everyone around me could hear. He continued his ranting as he was leaving the field. When I mentioned this here I got jumped on that “it’s part of the game, if you don’t like it don’t sit so close, etc.”. I only mentioned it that night because there was a lot of families sitting around me (women and children) and I think we always have to remember that. Please let’s not have a double standard here. If it’s OK for a Barnstormer to carry on like this while walking the “Green Mile” why shouldn’t others be allowed to act the same way!
My vote is for Butch Hobson
Actually AA, it is every 10 posts.
Although I don’t know exactly what they’ll be, there are going to be some changes in regard to baseball operations fairly soon.
Stormin…we all know there are problems with BASA…and it looks like they are being addressed….I am just tired of you bringing BASA into every whatever post..just my opinion thats all.
WOW a rare Stormin and AA all star battle!
(and don’t use me now as a way to make up by you both jumpin down my throat, it’s obvious you two need to work through some things)
What an impressive line-up of perspective managers.
“The animated Backman recently served a three-game suspension for bumping an umpire, and has been vocal about what he perceives as poor officiating in the fledgling SCL.”
Wally Backman would have a hay day in the Atlantic League! He’d be a park plug, fer shure! I doubt that the Lancaster fans would “warm up” to him, especially if his antics continued here.
Ryan Minor was a great player and a fan favorite, but I’m not sure how he would be at the helm.
Gary Carter was an outstanding catcher! It would be a good PR move for the team. However, his lack of experience coaching, etc. may be what keeps him from getting the position.
Paul Blair was on the Orioles roster during my teen years and I remember him as class act. He played center field and was quick as all get out. Sounds like he has great credentials and should be given serious consideration.
Pete Incaviglia is a known name for those who follow the Phillies. He has limited experience coaching and probably won’t be considered.
Tommy Herr and Butch Hobson would be on my “A” list. These two have the experience and would be able get the Barnstormers back on track to a winning season in 2008.
dadTB
hey Mr B…again….mind your own business. Your posts are useless. it looks like its time for me to start ignoring you again. why do you think Stormin and I have “issues”? Just because I disagreed with him posting BASA every post? And thanks for your opinion.
As I was witnessing Jose Mesa putting gasoline on the fire during the Phillies meltdown yesterday my brother in law said, maybe he will be pitching for the Barnstormers next year. I got this sick feeling of the possibility. Then I guy standing next to me said as long as he’s not pitching fro Camden. Just thought it was neat that watching the playoffs in a major league ballpark 2 strangers could start talking about the Atlantic League.
After reading about Wally Backman (reference my post #10) maybe he wouldn’t be a bad choice. What’s wrong with having someone so passionite about winning?
I have to agree that is a impressive list of names…. Carter, Inky and Blair probably won’t get as much serious “look” from management as they should but you never know. Backman may not fit the bill here….and I think he would have serious issues with the umpiring in this league as well. As fiery as he is…he would spend considerable time in the locker room after getting tossed from games…we may never see much of him…haha. Umpiring in this league has taken a serious downturn over the last few years. Thats another issue that the Atlantic league needs to address as well. The problem with Herr returning is that he needs to have his entire heart and soul into being here….you know that at this point he doesnt want to be here..he will always be looking elsewhere (affiliated baseball). He has stated that this would be an option should all else fail….he would leave again in a heartbeat if something “better” came along. I have nothing against his return but his returning will always be a last resort kind of a thing. I think Butch Hobson would be a great choice…he has worked with Rick Wise and Glenn Murray (when he was a player)….this could be a very helpful advantage. As far as Ryan Minor….between the last few years working with the Road Warriors and York I believe he is ready to step up into a managerial position be it here or Southern Maryland. I really think he deserves a chance somewhere.
Mind my own business?? …. thats funny! If I minded my own business, I would be breaking every blog rule.
What do you mean my posts are useless. Are you saying that you wouldn’t want the team to force Gary Carter to grow his fro back if he became manager?
I am being serious when I say I do love your spunk Amy. It’s great! It’s real and that’s the best part! Sometimes I’m not sure who I am.
Mr. B, it means you do not agee with Amy. Your posts are useful and fun.
I vote for Ryan Minor and I agree that Tom Herr would be good psychologically but we know he does not want to be here.
Maureen,
for what ever it’s worth, you always were my favorite
b
LOL, I have never been called a favorite, just blunt!
Like you said AA.. Tom would always have an eye on the door. Just waiting for the chance to run to the next affilated team that shows interest. Now don’t get me wrong, I like Tommy and his lovely wife but we all know he wants to move on…. and who can blame him.
I have heard nothing but good about Butch … and Dear Old Uncle Les… oh crap he’s young than me!!! With a name like Lancaster… in Lancaster .. HAH, I vote for him. hmm, yeah Stormin, I wonder if we’re related ???
Yeah syd….I don’t blame Herr for wanting to”move on”…I just think, at his age, (unfortunatly) its kinda late to be thinking about a realistic shot at the majors as a manager. We pretty much know thats what he wants. But a shot in the majors most likely won’t come without some ’seasoning” in the minors and moving thru a system. Its like a few years back when Mike Schmidt tried it in Clearwater. He tried it for one year and the “paying the dues” bus rides and other things made him realize it wasn’t for him. I mean just because you are a former player, whether you are a hall of famer or not, doesnt mean they should automatically put you in a coaching or managerial position in the majors. Nothing against Herr or anyone else in a similar position…sometimes you have to be realistic. Starting a career like that with aspriations of going to the majors AGAIN…starts when you are 35 ish like Ryan Minor..not at 50 or whatever Herr is.
Here’s a documentary about Wally Backman and his team from last season, forwarded to me by, I think, the man who produced it …
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8031964725914179928&hl=en
“Sell crazy someplace else, we’re all stocked up here.”
If Jose Lima can pitch in Newark, why not Joe Table?
I think Wally was on the short list at BPT before they got Jose Lind. How’d that work out?
Ryan Minor was well respected when he was here in 2005. Fans loved him and he got along extreamly well with the rest of the players. The other players looked up to him. He was a class act and he would be a great leader. If he doesn’t get the manager position here, I hope he gets the job with the Sourthern Maryland team.
I agree with you ultimate!!!!
Ultimate,
All of what you say about Minor is true, but I don’t believe the Barnstormers will go with a first-time manager. Minor is a long shot.
Jason:
I agree with you that he is a long shot because of being a first timer, but personality wise, I think he would be a good fit for a variety of player types. He also knows how to handle himself and could stand his ground in difficult situations. I don’t think he would be a BASA puppet either. Also, some of the powers to be have established a relationship with him as a player and coach. He is not an “outsider”. He knows the league, he knows the players and he knows the administration. He is not an “unknown” in many ways.
With Herr there is a good chance he will jump ship if another offer comes along, putting the team in limbo at any time. Nothing wrong with Tom jumping at opportunities that present himself, but with Minor the chances of him staying with the Barnstormers for an entire season are much greater which would result in consistency. Something this team is in desparate need of.
Hey Jason:
Forgot to ask your opinion on this one.
Do you think Minor’s chances are greater, less or the same on getting the manager position for the Barnstormers verses the Blue Crabs?
Just curious.
It’s Tom Herr’s job. Done and Done. I don’t know why the other names are mentioned, it must be for bargaining or pr.
Welcome Back Tom!!
Assuming he wants to manage next season …
I’d say Minor has a better chance with the Blue Crabs because he lives in Maryland and it’s a first-year franchise. It makes sense to go with a rookie manager in that situation. The Barnstormers did it with Herr. The Revs did it with Hoiles.
The Barnstormers need a proven guy. Last season was a disaster and they can’t take a chance on someone without managerial experience.
Since I would expect a totally revamped roster next year, I wouldn’t worry about the fit with the current players. Like it or not, this is a business and no different then what hapens in the real world ….. new management comes in and cleans house. Once we get a manager in place, he (or she …. remember Sarah and Abe) will bring in the players they want. Even though Ryan Minor may be a nice guy who deserves a chance, I think it’s time to go with experience. If Herr is only here for 2008 and we win a championship, I can live with that.
fausto gabon ….. You get an “A” in Spanish 101! I have another translation for Jose Mesa but it is not suitable to be listed.
Only 14 hours until the Phils win and we live to play another day (I hope)!
***** GO PHILLIES *****
For those of you who didn’t check out Jason’s post #25 yet, be sure to take the time to watch it. I think this man’s a winner and would love to see him here. After further review I have officially narrowed down my choices to 1) Wally Backman 2) Butch Hobson 3) Tom Herr. I don’t think we should dwell on the mistakes Wally and Butch made in the past.
If the team promoted it right, they’d have people coming to the stadium just to see what Wally does
Just my opinion - probably almost certainly worthless….
Why I’d love to see Wally: fire and excitement. He’d never disappoint the fans. He knows baseball and would be a thorn in the side of the league, keeping them on the up and up.
Why I’d love to see Butch: I’m a card carrying member of the nation and have a lot of old cards that need signed. Oh, and he’s good probably the best candidate of the bunch.
Why I’d love to see Gary Carter: it’s Gary friggin Carter! That in itself would draw fans to the park and command the players attention. He has no experience, but neither did Tommy when he got the job. Unlike Herr, it seems that Carter would stay for a while since he’s the one that initiated the contact with the league
Basically - I don’t want someone who will be looking for another job. They need to want to be here and not somewhere else. I want someone with experience but I’m willing to give them a flyer if they have a big name that can help draw big (fans and players). And I want someone who won’t be confused for a bump on a stump. Someone with some personality and someone who isn’t afraid of ruffling feathers.
The more I read about Wally the better I like him. And this is from a die hard Phillies fan who hates the Mets!
Scottie - I agree with everything you said
Backman had a short stint with the Phils as well, I actually got to see him play for them a loooooong time ago.
What’s fascinating about Backman is he went from managing the Arizona Diamondbacks to managing the South Georgia Peanuts in the span of about two years. That’s an astonishing career decline. It’s hard to believe no organization will give this man another chance.
Coincidentally, Backman is featured in a Yahoo! column.
I don’t have a problem with Tom coming back, and if he gets another shot, then great for him.
We don’t jump all over players who come back after trying it in affilated ball for another shot. Look at Henkel, Foster, Crozier. No one bad mouthed them. Same should be with the manager.
This is the Atlantic League and that is what it is here for. Giving opportunities. Would I like to see a “Sparkey Lyle” type, that has been with a team for 10 years? Yes. But we could of had that with Frank. I also want to be competive and alot of that has to do with the managers decisions.
BTW. Kaiser Sose’s UNC Tar Heels are killing Miami. Way to go. I know Pack would back me on that one.
Stormin…I dont think we are “jumping all over Herr”. And I really dont think people would be dissattisfied if Herr came back….its just that his heart has to be in it to return here. I personally dont think it would be on the teams best interest if he returned yet still looking for other options. If he is HERE..he should be HERE completely. He would have some control of getting players..so would he be as attentive to the needs of the team in this case? Its just a question and an opinion. I don’t really see the managers in this league as using the league for a stepping stone to affiliated baseball as much as the players. True about being competitive..we definitely all want that. I am just not sure that Herr would be as committed this time around if he does still want to be “somewhere else”. Nothing against him, like I said…. In this league I think manager stability (for example Sparky Lyle) is a good thing. Sparky lives in the Somerset area (much as Herr does here)…and its a good fit for him…less travel and being home alot etc etc. This could be a good thing for Herr as well if he realizes how long the trip up the ladder will be AGAIN to get to the majors….and then decides that maybe Lancaster isn’t such a bad option…..
But if not…and he still has dreams to get to the majors as a coach/manager…then maybe Lancaster is not the right place. And Hobson or whomever would come in here and truly have his heart into the team..and not be looking ahead to something that may not be there.
Stormin..how long have you been following this league….just curious?
I have followed the league only since 2005, the Barnstormer’s inaugural year. So I am a rookie at the AL.
If Herr returns, I hope he falls in love with the Barnstormers again and stays. Like some of Jason’s past posts, managing in the minor leagues is different then managing here.
Again, I am not an expert in the AL, I just say what I think. And of course learn from the other bloggers here.
Got to go. It is time for OU-Texas. Go Sooners.
All of you make very good points, and I’ll admit that I do not know all of the history and background of the league like most of you.However, I’m still casting my “unofficial” and “useless” vote for Ryan Minor either to manage here or with the Blue Crabs.
Ryan Minors #1 Fan
Ryan - If your reading this, remember I told them so!
Sorry for the typo!!!! Where the heck did I get “Miller” from??? I ment “Ryan Minor”. Long day and it’s only 4 p.m.
Jason - Anyway to correct that for me?
Hi
Well Ultimate, I Like Ryan also… he was my favorite Stormer. The question is… would he like the position in Lancaster? The Blue crabs are closer to home… and the baby is a year old now, many firsts are happening
My little girl is a senior… just yesterday she learned to walk, or so it seems that way to me
I would like to thank Jason for being one of only two sports writers to pick L-S over Columbia …
Go Pioneers !!!!
I just checked map quest and from Lancaster to Salisbury (where Ryan is from) is about 3 hours away…and Southern Md (Waldorf) to Salisbury is about 2 and 1/2 hours so its not really all that much closer. I dont see Ryan turning down the offer here if its made…for that amount of distance. However, because of what happened with Frank Klebe being relatively inexperienced and that not turning out very well..I doubt inexperienced will be hired…like Jason has already stated,
I am still looking for any pictures of Clayton Andrews, John Wolff and Zack Parker if anyone took some of those particular players. I have some coming from AA, but if anyone else has these players, I would sincerely appreciate receiving copies.
Thanks!
I have a nice Zack Parker picture… with me in it
Congrats, Stormin’. Your Sooners rule the Big 12. Amd you get another year to “rule” your house. Just got home from work. I got to watch the end of the OU-UT game. I am sorry I didnt get to watch the game. You will have to tell me about the highlights.
And yes, I agree. Congrats to any UNC fans out there. Way to beat the “Canes.
And Congrats to 1terpkid…….her Terps took down the Ramblin’ Wreck of Georgia Tech in a close one.
NOW, hopefully the Gators can pull the upset. GO Gators!!!!
And for my vote, I would like to see Wally Backman coach the Barnstormers. The Barnstormer front office is all about the entertainment. And I think Wally would be a good manager AND put on a good show most nights.
Go Gators.
ultimate…I am still searching the “archives” for the photos..haha. Hubby took a million over the course of the season so we have to sit down and find them…hopefully soon! Thanks for being patient…..you may want to ask him at the booster club meeting..
I vote for Ryan.. Young blood would be good in Lancaster and he was a good player and already use to the area.. I agree that Tommy may not be coming back for all the right reasons. If they do bring him back in a year are we going to be looking again?
Syd:
Can you email me the picture of you and Parker?
Thanks!
From the Yahoo column Jason linked to:
“He missed the first game of the season because he had committed to an out-of-state autograph session, which was probably a good thing because the skydiver floating in with the game ball crashed into the outfield fence and the lights illuminating the stadium and died…”
Wow.
Ultimate,
I’ll have to bring it to the meeting… it’s the old fashion film shot…
and Dawes your girlfriend was correct. the first one didn’t turn out, way too much sun but the second was perfect.
Thanks Syd! See you in a few days.
Stormin - I’m not hating Tommy Herr or wish him ill-will. I him on out bench and wouldn’t be disappointed if he came back. But it’s obvious he’d be here on a year by year basis - always looking for the proverbial greener grass on the other side of the fence.
Again - not hating him becuase he’d like a better position. Just wanting someone who would be interested in building a team and staying with it for the long term. Maybe because i fear change, more than anything else
Hmm, every player wants to be a year to year guy, or a month to month guy. NO ONE WANTS TO BE IN THE ATLANTIC LEAGUE.
Tommy Herr is the guy and he will make 64K with incredible incentives for public appearances, ticket sales, and wins. Tom is a VERY smart guy.
Something to keep an eye on: Terry Pendleton is going to be in the running for some managerial vacancies, perhaps with the Cardinals if/when Tony La Russa leaves. Herr could be considered for Pendleton’s staff as a bench coach or base coach.
No way, Jason. No way. Terry would never take on a polarizng guy like Tom. Terry would know he needs to surround himself with experienced guys.
S-central - I’m not sure I’d go so far as to say *every* guy. certainly the former major-leaguers have a chip on their shoulder and want to prove they still have it. But theres a good number of players who are resigned to the fact that they won’t get a call up but are not ready to hang up the cleats yet.
I would love to see Ryan get the job, but for some reason, I see him fitting in better with Southern Maryland or staying in York. Minor was a alot of fun to watch in 05 and also did a great job in his first coaching position with the Road Warriors in 2006.
I don’t know on the Terry Pendleton point. Jim Leyland pretty much surrounded himself with his boys on his Tigers coaching staff, and that seemed to work out pretty well for him.
Gary Carter managed the St. Lucie Mets in 2006
Thanks for the correction.
A.A.
The Atlantic League umpires aren’t that bad. If a pitcher can’t throw strikes . . . what’s an umpire to do? He has to call the pitch a ball. DUH