The Riversharks announced today that former Philadelphia Phillie Von Hayes has been named the team’s new manager. The former Major League All Star will be introduced to fans on Thursday, October 29th at 7:15 p.m., as part of a World Series Meet and Greet party at Campbell’s Field.
“I’m coming home,” said Hayes, when asked about being named the new manager of the Riversharks. “It’s great to be back in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area, and I’m extremely excited about managing the Riversharks this upcoming season. I’m sure we’re going to have a great year, and there is no mystery about it – our goal is to win the championship,” he added.
Leading the Riversharks will not be a particularly new experience for Hayes, who has several years of experience as a baseball manager. In 2003, his first season as a skipper, Hayes took the Arizona Diamondbacks’ single A team, the South Bend Silver Hawks, to the playoffs of the Midwest League.
In 2004, Hayes guided the Oakland Athletics’ single A organization, the Modesto A’s, to championships in both halves of the California League season. For his efforts, the California League named Hayes Manager of the Year.
The following year, in 2005, Hayes led Oakland’s AA organization, the Midland Rockhounds, to the Texas League championship, and was named Texas League Manager of the Year. Most recently, he managed the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League during the 2008 season.
“We’re extremely excited to have Von as our new manager for the 2010 season,” said Riversharks General Manager Adam Lorber. “Not only is he a hero in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area, but he’s an extremely accomplished baseball man. There is no doubt that he is going to be a great fit for the Riversharks,” he added.
As impressive as Hayes’ managerial résumé is, his credentials as a major league player are even more remarkable. Originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 7th round of the 1979 amateur draft, Hayes enjoyed the bulk of his success with the Philadelphia Phillies, who acquired him from the Indians in 1982, in exchange for five players.
From 1983 to 1991, Hayes appeared in over one thousand games for the Phillies, amassing a .272 batting average, while hitting 124 homeruns and recording 568 RBIs. He finished eighth in the National League Most Valuable Player voting in 1986, and made the National League All Star team in 1989.
Hayes will be introduced to fans on Thursday, October 29th at 7:15 p.m., as part of a World Series Meet and Greet party at Campbell’s Field. The event will be open to the public and there will be no admission cost. Reservations are suggested but not required. Please call 856-583-0027 to reserve a seat.