FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Contact: Erin Killian
301-374-1125
BLUE CRABS ANNOUNCE NEW FIELD MANAGER
John Harris Will Enter His First Season As Southern Maryland’s Field Manager
(Waldorf, Md., Dec. 8, 2016) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs today announced that John Harris will serve as the club’s Field Manager for the 2017 season. Harris joins the Blue Crabs after serving as the Director of Player Procurement for the Trois-Rivières Aigles of the Canadian-American Association in 2016.
“We are excited to have John join the Blue Crabs this year,” said Blue Crabs General Manager Courtney Knichel. “He has a very deep knowledge of baseball and has a great eye for talent. We want to make our 10th Anniversary season one to remember on the field, and we think John will help us accomplish this goal.”
Harris was selected in the 1976 amateur draft by the California Angels and played at the MLB level with the Angels from 1979-81. After his playing career, he served as hitting coach with the Sioux Falls Canaries and Shreveport-Bossier Captains in the American Association, as well as the Amarillo Dillas of the United League. In 2011, the Portland, Ore. native was named Field Manager for Amarillo when they joined the American Association.
The 62-year-old previously spent time in the Atlantic League as the hitting coach for the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2015. While in that role, Harris was selected as the hitting coach for the Liberty Division during the league’s All-Star Game held at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport.
“I am extremely thrilled to return to the Atlantic League,” said Harris. “I am excited to bring my experience and skill to the club and help bring a championship to Southern Maryland. Our goal is to win and give fans a memorable experience as they watch us play.”
About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs - The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League, considered the highest level of minor league baseball. Atlantic League players are “Major League-ready” and over the last 16 years, more than 600 players have advanced from Atlantic League clubs to Major League organizations, making the Atlantic League a preferred route for experienced players to be scouted by Major League Baseball. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland. The franchise will look to open its tenth season on Thursday April 20th, 2017. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit www.SOMDbluecrabs.com for more information and to reserve your seat at the ballpark today!
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) - The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com