Snider hired as coach
December 21, 2007 by Jason Guarente
The Barnstormers have hired Sam Snider to be the third member of their coaching staff. The Chambersburg native served as the Orioles’ bullpen catcher for 21 years before being dismissed as part of an organizational purge in October.
“We like his experience in all phases of the game,” head of baseball operations Keith Lupton said. “We like the fact that he worked so many years at the big-league level. We felt he brought a lot to the table.”
Snider appeared to be the frontrunner for this opening since Von Hayes was formally introduced as manager on Nov. 26. Although he has never played professionally and never served as a coach at the professional level, Snider always dreamed of getting that chance.
The Barnstormers finally gave it to him.
“I feel good about this,” Lupton said. “He’s an easy-going guy who should be able to relate to players. I think it’s a pretty good match.”
Snider – a rare left-handed throwing catcher (see above photo) — doesn’t have an official title yet. He’s going to throw batting practice and could coach third base. He’ll essentially fill the same role Frank Klebe did in 2005 and 2006 before he was promoted to manager.
Glenn Murray, who served as hitting coach last season, will not be returning to the Barnstormers and, according to Lupton, will not be part of any of the ODP teams in 2008.
ODDS AND ENDS:
*Lupton said the Barnstormers plan to return to Lakeland, Fla. for spring training in April. It will be the third consecutive year the Atlantic League has trained at the Tiger Town complex. Spring training was held in Homestead, Fla. in 2005.
*Preliminary talks have taken place between Lupton and some of last year’s players about coming back to the Barnstormers. Three names on the radar: Lance Burkhart, Jutt Hileman and Dominick Ambrosini. Lupton anticipates around seven or eight players will be invited back.
*Zack Parker is 2-1 with a 3.78 ERA for Mochis in the Mexican Winter League. The Barnstormers would love for the lefthander to anchor the pitching staff if he doesn’t receive an offer from a big-league organization.
*Rotoworld.com offers this assessment of former Barnstormers closer Scott Patterson, who went 2-2 with a 1.69 ERA in 21 1/3 innings in the Venezuelan Winter League …
The 28-year-old Patterson earned himself a spot on the Yankees’ 40-man roster before calling it a year a couple of weeks ago. He’ll be a long shot to win a bullpen job in spring training, but he figures to make his major league debut at some point during 2008.
I have full confidence in Patterson’s ability and hope he gets to prove himself in Yankee Stadium. This is the last season for the “old” complex, so it would be nice to see him pitch there. The 08 All Star game is also being held there .
Does anyone know what is going to happen to the old Yankee Stadium?
Welcome Sam, hope you enjoy Lancaster.
Does this mean that “Smilin” Glenn Murray isn’t returning?
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
That ball that Snider is throwing in the pic definitely is not regulation.
That stinks that Murry isn’t coming back. He was always good with crowds. I hope Snider can hang with this WWE style of baseball.
Wonder what a Mitchell report would like in the Atlantic League? And don’t tell me that AL players don’t have $ to buy stuff. You can go to any local gym and find dealers willing to sell you a little ‘boost.’ If our local high schoolers are trying things, you can bet our journeymen pros are too.
*sigh*Southernalfan, your accusations have become tiresome *sigh*
No more Glenn…that makes me sad.
I really hope the big leagues are dumb enough to miss Zack…I believe he could win 12-15 in this league.
Thanks Maureen… you said it !!!
Wouldn’t we all love to see Zach back but in truth… he deserves a shot and so does Derrick. Lets not forget.. Patty signed with the Yanks in June of his second season.
and what’s all this stuff about not going to Florida for Spring Training??? The point is to head south. Give fans a reason to visit FLorida in April… Ahhhh can’t wait, in three years there will be no more H.S. schedule to dictate when I travel. Florida is perfect in April… lots of sun, The gulf of Mexico is just the right temp. beautiful white powdery beaches… and baseball !!!
I am sorry if the truth hurts about “helpers.” Unfortunately the fact is that they are very prevalent in the AL. Just as they are more and more easy to get for L-L athletes, they are also easy for semi-pro athletes to get their hands on.
Sydney- Only 3 more years of high school ball? Savor it and enjoy it while you can. The L-L League is a fun league and there are some great, great programs which truly teach baseball and compete for state championships.
Yes, only 3 more years but then we can head to the Outer Banks at the end of September. The weather is perfect, the house rentals are dirt cheap, and you can drive up the beach until there is no one in sight. We haven’t been able to do that since 95.
I love high school ball and will probably still attend after the last one graduates
I know this issue is old hat on this blog, but since it’s nationally a hot topic right now, I’m gonna jump in.
It makes total sense that guys in the AL would be on Arnolds, especially if the AL is not testing. My wife is from Jersey and she grew up near the beach. I know that her brother and his friends all have struggled w/ steroids just so they can look good on the beach. It’s a pretty common act in the area. If regular working class people are easily able to get their hands on it at the local gym, I can only imagine how it would be a constant temptation for guys who are constantly around it and seeing people around them succeed while doing the juice. It’s an epidemic in my mind. It doesn’t seem like there is a good way to fight it either since it’s so hard to detect because the makers are always one step ahead of testing. It’s pretty ugly right now. Thank goodness the subject hasn’t ruined football yet.
Unfortunately I feel like sometimes our generation has been cheated out on what should of been good ol’ honest baseball. I just hope it all gets smooth out by the time my 3 year old reaches 12 and we just look back at this age as a dark age that has long past.
I knew of HS coaches who had the kids take Creatine powder(sp). I was teaching and wondered why I had 3 baseball players out with anal fissures and getting surgery. How ridiculous to do to a kid. I have a tall lanky boy who was told by a coach at 13 to take supplements to bulk up. I thought the guy was joking until he told me where to shop and what to buy. I still have a tall lanky but now 16yr old.
Southern, I know what you mean about steriods and the extra help it is just tiresome to hear everytime you come on a thread. We all know you are concerned about steroids in the AL, just do not need to mention it all the time
Southern Fan, better keep your head, Don’t forget what your good book said…
Yeah Maureen that’s pretty scary that a HS coach would indoctrinate 13year old kids that they need something extra to perform better. What if a kid goes that route and still doesn’t make the team. He is then left with an unhealthy overweight body which hurts the heart and rocks the self esteem.
Welcome Sam Snider, I do hope to see Jutt back next year, as well as Zack Parker. I am glad he is doing well. Happy Holidays!!!
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”
Ahhh Bob, Thanks for the poem.
I used to read it to my kids every year.
Merry Christmas everyone, hope Santa is good to you.
Olivia
Does anyone have a picture of Sam? Kinda hard to see his face in the picture above.
Don’t worry Syd, he’s cute!
Oh… thank God… I was worried !!!
Who’s your last high schooler, Sydney? A Pioneer?
Wasn’t Mike A. planning to have a chat with Klein or Boulton this winter? How about a chat with Peter Kirk?
I have a Freshman Pioneer.
That’s great! Pioneers have a wonderful baseball program, top to bottom.
Football program too
Any news on the expansion draft for the Blue Crabs and who the Barnstormers protected? I thought Jason said there was talk that it would take place sometime around December 16th.
Only 114 days until the Atlantic League Opening Day, haha. I finally wrote a bit of a recap article on the Road Warriors for my site as well as added videos from their home game (compliments of BrickCityBruins.com) and a poll on the RW MVP of 07. Check it out…
roadwarriorsbaseball.blogspot.com
Speaking of the Road Warriors,glad to see that Gabe Saurez signed a minor league contract with the Pirates. Maybe if everything works out,we could see him in Pittsburgh.
I hope some Road Warriors end up in Lancaster for 08 as well…
Roadwarriorfan,
I was just on your RoadWarriors Blog and I really liked the Roadwarrior recap article. I also like the 2007 Roadwarrior stats.
I will miss the Roadwarroirs,too. My Man JB was with them the last two years and I will really miss all of them. They were great ballplayers. I hope JB comes back to the Barnstormers for 2008. He always has a great attitude.
112 Days to GO!
GO ‘STORMERS!
Thanks Phil, it would be great to have JB back in Lancaster.
Sam Snider is with the Revolution now.