2014 mississii braes media guide table of contents … · the media lot is directly behind home...

2014 MISSISSIPPI BRAVES MEDIA GUIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENTSGeneral InformationBatting Practice Schedule ...............2Media Guidelines ............................3M-Braves Firsts ................................4Parking ............................................2Trustmark Park ........................... 4-5 Facts ............................................4 Seating Diagram .........................5

Front OfficeAddresses ........................................7 E-Mail..........................................7 Mailing ........................................7 Shipping ......................................7 Website.......................................7Biographies ............................... 8-11 Black, Miranda ..........................11 Bishop, Jim................................10 DeSalvo, Steve ............................9 Schuerholz, John ........................8 Tait, Kyle....................................11Contact Information ........................7Field Staff Listing .............................7Staff Listing ......................................7

Field StaffBiographies ............................. 13-15 Alcantara, Ricky ........................15 Dismuke, Jamie .........................14 Holbert, Aaron ..........................13 Lewallyn, Dennis .......................14

2014 M-BravesPotential Players Pitchers ............................... 16-36 Position Players .................. 37-55

Farm SystemAwards & Accolades .....................69Baseball Operations ......................57Minor League Stats ................. 70-72 Batting Leaders .........................70 Pitching Leaders .......................71 Standings ..................................72Team Listings ........................... 57-68 Atlanta ................................ 57-58 Danville ............................... 67-68 Gwinnett ............................. 59-60 Lynchburg ........................... 63-64 Mississippi .......................... 61-62 Rome .................................. 65-66

2013 ReviewAll-Stars .......................................109Day-by-Day .............................. 75-77Final Team Stats ............................85 Home Stats ...............................88 Road Stats .................................89

Situational Stats ........................90 vs. Righties ................................86 vs. Lefties ..................................87 Highs & Lows ........................... 83-84League Leaders ................... 106-108 Batting ....................................106 Pitching ...................................107 Team .......................................108 Monthly Statistics ................... 91-96 April ..........................................91 May ...........................................92 June ..........................................93 July ............................................94 August.......................................95 September ................................96Overall Statistics ...................... 85-90Results ..................................... 80-82 Doubleheaders .........................82 Extra-Inning Games ..................82 One-Run Games .......................80 Shutouts ...................................81Southern League Awards ............110Southern League Stats .......... 97-105 vs. Birmingham .........................97 vs. Chattanooga ........................98 vs. Huntsville.............................99 vs. Jackson ..............................100 vs. Jacksonville ........................101 vs. Mobile ...............................102 vs. Montgomery .....................103 vs. Pensacola ..........................104 vs. Tennessee ..........................105Standings .......................................74Transactions ............................ 78-79

M-Braves HistoryAll-Time Rosters .................. 142-145Attendance .......................... 146-147Award Winners ................... 138-139Batting Records ................... 123-130 Franchise ................................123 Career Batting .........................124 Highs & Lows .................. 126-127 Mississippi ..............................125 Yearly .............................. 128-130

Historic Milestones ............. 112-114In the Majors ....................... 140-141League Leaders ...........................137Manager Bios ...................... 119-122Managerial Stats .........................117Opening Day Lineups .......... 148-149Playoff Stats .................................117Pitching Records .................. 131-136 Franchise ................................131 Career Pitching .......................132 Highs & Lows ..........................134 Mississippi ..............................133 Yearly .............................. 135-136Southern League Stats ................116

Championships .......................116 Playoff Appearances ...............116 Win-Loss Records ...................116Yearly Finishes .............................115

Southern LeagueMileage Chart ..............................162Past Champions...........................151Southern League Directory .........152Southern League Map ................162Teams .................................. 153-161

Birmingham ............................153 Chattanooga ...........................154 Huntsville ................................155 Jackson ...................................156 Jacksonville .............................157 Mobile ....................................158 Montgomery ..........................159 Pensacola ................................160 Tennessee ...............................161

MiscellaneousCity-Wide Services ......................164Disabled Lists...............................166Hotel Information .......................165 Braves’ Hotels on the Road ....165 Opponents’ Hotel in MS ..........165Rules of Interest ..........................166


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GENERAL INFORMATIONBatting Practice ScheduleTimes are subject to change

Game Time: 7:00 11:00 1:00 5:00 6:00 DHHome BP Starts 4:30 8:30 10:30 2:30 3:30Home BP Ends 5:15 9:15 11:15 3:15 4:15Visiting BP Starts 5:15 9:15 11:15 3:15 4:15Visiting BP Ends 6:00 10:00 12:00 4:00 5:00Home Infield 6:00 10:00 12:00 4:00 5:00Visiting Infield 6:10 10:10 12:10 4:10 5:10Field Prep 6:20 10:20 12:45 4:20 5:20First Pitch (approx.) 7:00 11:00 2:00 5:00 6:00

Parking Information

Mississippi Braves VIP parking passes are available for any interested individuals for $140. The VIP parking passes guarantee that fans will get a parking spot, and the parking spot will be closer to the stadium as it will be in the VIP parking lot. The $140 price tag for a VIP parking pass equals $2 per home game. All other public parking is free.

Smoke-Free Environment

Trustmark Park is a smoke-free facility. The seating areas and concourses of Trustmark Park are smoke free. An usher or customer service representative can direct you to the nearest smoking location.

Editorial Information

The 2014 Mississippi Braves Media Guide was produced by the Mississippi Braves Media Relations Department. The guide’s layout, design and research was done by Media Relations Manager, Miranda Black.

Photos for the guide were provided by Tom Priddy, Ed Gardner, the Lynchburg Hillcats and the Atlanta Braves.

This edition of the Mississippi Braves Media Guide was printed by Hederman Brothers Printing.

Statistical Information used in this guide courtesy of MLBAM and the Atlanta Braves.

Copyright 2014 Mississippi Braves Baseball Club, Inc. A Liberty Media Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the Mississippi Braves Media Guide in whole or in part without the permission of the Mississippi Braves Baseball Club, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All information is as of March 1, 2014.


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MEDIA GUIDELINESAdmission to Trustmark Park: Enter through the Media/VIP Entrance directly behind home plate and the press box at Trustmark Park. All gates at Trustmark Park open at 6:00 PM for Monday-Friday games, 5:00 PM for Saturday games, 12:00 PM for Sunday games in April and May and 4:00 PM for Sunday games June through August. Times are subject to change. Early admittance to media members is accepted on a case-by-case basis. In such occurrences, media should enter Trustmark Park through the administrative offices and speak to the Media Relations Department.

Clubhouses: The tunnel to the home and visiting clubhouses is located directly adjacent to the corporate picnic pavilion down the third base line. Clubhouses are open to the media two hours before first pitch. Both clubhouses close 45 minutes before first pitch and remain off-limits during the game. Clubhouses re-open approximately 10 minutes after the final out. The umpires dressing room is off-limits to the media. The training room, weight room and player’s lounge are closed to the media at all times. Still photographers are not permitted in the clubhouse without express permission of the Mississippi Braves Media Relations Department. The clubhouses are limited to credentialed working media only. Absolutely no admittance will be allowed without proper credentials.

Credentials: To obtain season or daily credentials, a request must be made to the Mississippi Braves Media Relations Department. Credentials will be issued only to legitimate news gathering agencies that have contacted the Media Rela-tions Department at least 24 hours prior to the day of the game. To obtain media credentials, a written request must be made to the Braves’ Media Relations Department on appropriate letterhead stationery. Please specify the name(s) and function of the individual(s) being sent to cover the game. Identification will be required before credentials can be distributed. Credentials may be picked up at Will Call located at the main ticket window at Trustmark Park. The main ticket window at Trustmark Park opens at 9 AM Monday-Friday. Credentials are not issued to anyone under 18 years of age. Any party abusing this policy will forfeit their credential and all privileges.

Field Access: Working media can access the field through gates on the far end of each dugout. Media members are allowed on the field during batting practice, but must stay behind the batting cage.

Interview Policy: All interviews, live TV shots, etc., are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be coor-dinated in advance and in conjunction with player/coach availability. To make arrangements, please call the M-Braves Media Relations Department.

Media Parking: Limited parking for the media is available in the Media Lot. The entrance to the Media Lot is located opposite the main parking lot off of 1 Braves Way and Bass Pro Drive. It is adjacent to the media and VIP entrance to Trustmark Park. The Media Lot is directly behind home plate, in between Trustmark Park and Bass Pro Shop. Media Lot parking passes can be picked up at the ticket office with credentials. Requests for parking passes must be made along with credentials.

Photography: Photo credentials are issued in the same manner as other credentials. Due to limited photo locations, it is impossible to allow freelance photographers access unless assigned by a legitimate news gathering agency. A limited number of still photographer field level positions are available, subject to team discretion. Still photographers will shoot from the camera wells located on the home plate side of each dugout when available.

Press Box: Trustmark Park’s press box is located on the suite level behind home plate. Stairs and an elevator to the press box are on the right after entering the stadium. Once on the suite level, walk to the left, the press box will be on your right. Limited seating is available in the press box and working media take precedence in the press box as long as seats are available. The main area of the press box is for writing press while the booths are for radio and TV media members. Your cooperation is requested in keeping a working press box atmosphere. Both clubs’ game notes, statistical information, press releases and roster sheets will be available daily. The press box is available to working media only and credentials must be shown upon entrance.

Press Box Meals: Prior to each home game, media and scouts are welcome to dine in the press box dining area. Food and drinks will be available through the seventh inning on most nights. Dining room usage is limited to those with proper credentials. It is impossible to accommodate family members, friends or guests.

No Autographs: Any member of the media requesting autographs while credentialed will have press access revoked.

Scouts Access: The Mississippi Braves are proud to offer press box meals and drinks to all visiting scouts.


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TRUSTMARK PARK FACTSGrand Opening: April 18, 2005. Mississippi lost to Montgomery, 11-6.Location: Between Childre Road and Bass Pro Drive in Pearl, MS. Near the junction of I-55 and I-20.Seating: Two levels of seating supported by one wrap-around concourse. Home Plate, Dugout and Field Level seats are located below the concourse and the Suite Level. The Suite Level includes 22 luxury suites that allow fans to personalize their Braves experience. Fans can also enjoy “picnic style” seating on the berm beyond the left-center field wall.Capacity: With a capacity of 8,480, Trustmark Park ranks fourth in the Southern League behind Jacksonville, Birming-ham and Huntsville in total seating capacity. To add to the fan experience, each seat in the seating bowl has a chair back, arm rest and cup holders.Playing Field: Approximately 110,000 square feet of tifway 419 hybrid bermuda grass. Under the playing surface lies 8,000 feet of drainage pipes connected to three 40 horse-power engines that can pump from 8 to 10 inches of water an hour. The field irrigation system has 70 sprinkler heads that spray 30 gallons of water per minute. The turf for the field is grown in the bullpens.Field Dimensions: The field dimensions are 335’ down the left field line, 402’ to center field, and 332’ down the right field line. The power alleys are 380’ to left-center and 385’ to right-center.Entry Plaza: The main entrance to Trustmark Park was built as a welcoming mat into the stadium. The entrance in-cludes the main ticket window, the Braves’ offices, the Extra Innings Team Store and a scrolling matrix board.Extra Innings Team Store: The Extra Innings Team Store features the latest in Mississippi and Atlanta Braves merchan-dise. Fans can get everything from clothing to team baseball card sets.Farm Bureau Grill: The Grill is a full service restaurant beyond the right field wall that overlooks the playing field and is open year round for parties, meetings and corporate events. The Grill is also open to the public for lunch on game days.Family Fun Zone: The Fun Zone houses a variety of inflatable and interactive activities for children including an inflat-able slide, a speed pitch cage and a whiffle ball cage, just to name a few.Picnic Pavilion: A two-tiered, catered seating area down the third base line that seats up to 325 fans.Disabled Seating: The entire stadium is wheelchair accessible and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

First Game April 18, 2005 vs. Montgomery Attendance: 7,062 TOG: 2:50 Lost: 11-6 WP: Chris Seddon LP: Anthony LerewFirst Pitch Anthony Lerew, 7:45 pm CTFirst Batter Michael Curry, MontgomeryFirst Braves Batter Jonathan SchuerholzFirst Hit Fernando Cortez, Montgomery (single)First Braves Hit Jonathan Schuerholz (single)First Double Jeff FrancoeurFirst Triple Delmon Young, MontgomeryFirst Braves Triple Gregor BlancoFirst Homer Chairon Isenia, Montgomery

First Braves Homer Scott Thorman First Back-to-Back Homers S. Thorman/B. McCann (4/20)First RBI Delmon Young, MontgomeryFirst Braves RBI Scott ThormanFirst Run Scored Fernando Cortez, MontgomeryFirst Braves Run Scored Jonathan SchuerholzFirst Stolen Base Fernando Cortez (4/19)First Braves Stolen Base J. Schuerholz (3rd)/ W. Timmons (2nd) - (4/19)First Error Wes TimmonsFirst Strikeout Michael Curry by Anthony LerewFirst Walk Luis Hernandez

Mississippi Braves Firsts


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TRUSTMARK PARK STADIUM GUIDE

Club Level ....................................................................................$20Home Plate Level ........................................................................$15Dugout Level ...............................................................................$12Field Level ...................................................................................$8General Admission/Berm ...........................................................$6Ticket OfficeFarm Bureau GrillParty Deck*Supersuite*Suites*Picnic Pavilion*

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* Party Decks, Suites, Supersuite and the Picnic Pavilion are rented nightly and booked in advance. For more information on booking your group in one of these private areas, please call the Mississippi Braves at 888-BRAVES4 or 601-932-8788.


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FRONT OFFICE STAFF


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DIRECTORY

Mississippi Braves Management & Staff

Executives President & Chairman ......................................................................................................... John Schuerholz General Manager ................................................................................................................. Steve DeSalvo Assistant General Manager ................................................................................................. Jim Bishop

Full-Time Staff Ticket Manager .................................................................................................................... Nick Anderson Merchandise Manager ........................................................................................................ Sarah Banta Media Relations Manager ................................................................................................... Miranda Black Director of Sales ................................................................................................................... Dave Burke Sales Associate ..................................................................................................................... Joe Crocker Head Chef ............................................................................................................................ Tina Funches Sales Associate ..................................................................................................................... Sean Guillotte Suites & Catering Manager .................................................................................................. Debbie Herrington Stadium Operations Manager ............................................................................................. Matt McCoy Promotions & Entertainment Manager .............................................................................. Brian Prochilo Office Manager .................................................................................................................... Christy Shaw Restaurant Manager ............................................................................................................ Gene Slaughter Sales Associate ..................................................................................................................... Destin Smith Sales Associate ..................................................................................................................... Gerrod Speer Sales Associate ..................................................................................................................... Marrieo Stovall Director of Field & Facility Operations ................................................................................ Matt Taylor Concessions Manager .......................................................................................................... Felicia Thompson

Field Staff Manager............................................................................................................................... Aaron Holbert Pitching Coach ..................................................................................................................... Dennis Lewallyn Hitting Coach ....................................................................................................................... Jamie Dismuke Trainer .................................................................................................................................. Ricky Alcantara Strength and Conditioning Coach ....................................................................................... Chris Dayton

Mississippi Braves

Trustmark Park 1 Braves Way • Pearl, MS • 39208P.O. Box 97389 • Pearl, MS • 39288

General Information: (601) 932-8788Website: www.mississippibraves.comToll-Free Information & Tickets: (888) BRAVES4

Media Phone: (601) 932-8788Media Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Notes: www.mississippibraves.com/gamenotesPress Box: (601) 664-7712 • Fax: (601) 936-3567


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PRESIDENT JOHN SCHUERHOLZNamed President of the Atlanta Braves on October 11, 2007, John Schuerholz oversees all operations for the Braves franchise. Schuerholz served 26 years as a General Manager, from October, 1981, to October, 2007, including 17 as the Braves’ Executive VP and General Manager from 1991 to 2007. Schuerholz came to the Braves from the Kansas City Royals in October of 1990, and before his promotion to President, he had the longest tenure with the same organization among all Major League GMs.

Under his leadership and guidance, the Braves achieved unprecedented success, compiling the best record in baseball (1,594-1,092; .593) over those 17 seasons from 1991 to 2007. The Braves established an American professional sports record by winning 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005 (the 1994 season was not played to completion).

The Braves have won five National League pennants, one World Series, several Organization of the Year awards and have surpassed the 3,000,000 mark in home attendance six times in the past 18 seasons. By finishing 101-61 in 2003, the Braves reached the century mark in victories for the fifth time in seven seasons and for the sixth time since 1993.

During his career with Baltimore, Kansas City and Atlanta, Schuerholz has been associated with three World Champions (1966, 1985 & 1995), eight pennant winners and 20 division crowns. In 2004, to honor his nearly 40 years of success at the Major League level, Baseball America named him the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Atlanta’s overall success in 2005 also helped the Braves earn Baseball America’s prestigious Organization of the Year award.

Various groups have honored the achievements of Schuerholz and the Braves. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum recognized John as the National League Executive of the Year with its Andrew “Rube” Foster Award in 2001, 2002 and 2005. The Braves 400 Club bestowed its Ivan Allen, Jr. “Mr. Baseball” Award, presented to “the person who has contributed significantly to the promotion of baseball in the Atlanta area” to Schuerholz in February 2000.

Baseball America honored the Braves as the most outstanding Major League franchise of the past two decades with its 20th Anniversary Award of Excellence in December 2001. As a result of the Braves’ 1991 worst-to-first performance, Schuerholz was named the Executive of the Year by UPI, the Boston Writers Association and the Maryland Tops in Sports group, Executive of the Year by the Georgia Securities Association and Georgian of the Year by Georgia Trend Magazine.

When the Braves won the 1995 World Series, Schuerholz achieved a unique distinction–he became the first executive to be Gen-eral Manager of world championship teams in both the American and National Leagues. In his 26 years as a General Manager with Kansas City and Atlanta, his teams totaled an amazing 2,348 wins. During Schuerholz’s time with Kansas City, the Royals won one World Championship (1985), two American League pennants (1980 and 1985) and six division crowns (1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1984 and 1985). Sporting News, in a poll of baseball’s General Managers, selected Schuerholz as the Major League Executive of the Year in 1985, when Kansas City won the World Series.

As a GM, Schuerholz proved to be a man of action ever since joining the Braves. An average of about 10 new faces appeared on the club’s Opening Day roster each year, reflecting offseason transactions and the maturing of farm system products. Almost without exception during the season, Schuerholz annually acquired at least one player who contributed greatly to the Braves’ successful run. John Smoltz, in fact, was the only Braves player who was on the team for all 14 division titles from 1991 to 2005.

A native of Baltimore, Schuerholz left a job as a junior high school teacher to join the Orioles in 1966. He moved to Kansas City two years later, and as an Administrative Assistant, was involved in the expansion draft that created the first ever Royals roster. He was named Assistant Farm Director in 1970 and became Farm Director in 1975. He was promoted to Director of Player Procurement and Development in 1976 and Vice President-Player Personnel in 1979. The Royals named Schuerholz Executive Vice President and General Manager in October of 1981, when he was 41.

Born October 1, 1940, Schuerholz is a graduate of Towson (MD) University, where he played soccer and baseball. He was an all-conference choice in baseball and was named the school’s Athlete of the Year in 1962. He was inducted into Towson’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1973 and currently serves on the school’s Board of Visitors. Towson’s baseball facility is named John Schuerholz Park. Schuerholz authored his first book, “Built to Win: Inside Stories and Leadership Strategies from Baseball’s Winningest GM,” which was released in 2006.

He and his wife Karen have two children, Gina & Jonathan, and two granddaughters, Camryn Grace & Rylee Elizabeth. Jonathan has been a player or instructor in the Braves’ farm system since 2002, and the 2014 season is his first season as the Rome Braves manager.


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GENERAL MANAGERSteve DeSalvo, a 54 year-old native of Centereach, New York, is in his 28th season with the Braves’ Double-A franchise and his 34th season in professional baseball, 33 of them as a Minor League General Manager. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of St. John’s University in New York City with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, DeSalvo began his career in Daytona Beach, FL, as Assistant General Manager of the 1981 Florida State League Champion Daytona Beach Astros. From there, DeSalvo was promoted to General Manager of the Auburn Astros of the NY-Penn League. Spending two years in Auburn, DeSalvo’s club broke an all-time attendance record, earning him the league’s 1983 Executive-of-the-Year honors.

In 1985-86, DeSalvo returned to the FSL as General Manager of the Ft. Myers Royals. At the conclusion of the 1986 season, DeSalvo accepted the position of Assistant General Manager of the Tucson Toros, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. However, three months later, DeSalvo was named General Manager for the Greenville Braves. DeSalvo has been named Southern League Executive of the Year three times (1990, 1998 and 2007). His peers also honored him in 1997 with the Southern League’s Outstanding Community Service Award. In 1992, Greenville captured its first Southern League Championship under DeSalvo’s tenure and when Mississippi won the 2008 SL title, it marked the fifth time DeSalvo has been General Manager of a championship team. In October 2000, DeSalvo was elected Vice President of the Southern League. He is also currently a member of the Minor League Baseball Marketing Committee. DeSalvo is the Double-A Braves representative on the Southern League Board of Directors. He involved the Braves with many charitable organizations in the Greenville, SC, area. In three consecutive years (2001-03), DeSalvo was named Man of the Year by the Upstate Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in his efforts to raise funds in the fight against devastating childhood diseases. In 2001, he was awarded the Vocational Service Award by the Pleasantburg Rotary Club. DeSalvo was also actively involved with an effort to save middle school sports in cooperation with the School District of Greenville County. His work, through the CORE Initiative, has assisted in allowing basketball, baseball and softball to continue at the middle school level. In 2002, he was awarded the American Medal of Honor for his community service work, a national award presented through the American Biographical Institute. DeSalvo commuted back and forth from Greenville, SC, to the Jackson area during the 2004 baseball season and became a permanent resident of Rankin County in September 2004. Continuing the community efforts put forth in South Carolina, DeSalvo sits on several community boards including The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, The Salvation Army, The Pearl Chamber of Commerce, The Pearl Kiwanis Club and The Rankin County Chamber. DeSalvo also served as Chairman for the American Red Cross Ride for the Red and as Chairman for the Leukemia Society’s Light the Night Walk in 2006. In addition, DeSalvo is a member of the Downtown Jackson Rotary Club and was honored by the Pearl Kiwanis Club by being selected as the 2010-11 Kiwanian of the Year. DeSalvo has involved the Mississippi Braves in numerous charitable events throughout the Jackson Metro area. The M-Braves have donated over $500,000 in cash, merchan-dise and tickets to many area charities and fund-raising events. In October 2011, after the announced retirement of Southern League President Don Mincher, DeSalvo served as Interim Southern League President until the Southern League Board elected a new president in July 2012. DeSalvo was also recently elected to the Greater Greenville (SC) Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2013. A “lifetime” member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who for Business Professionals in the United States, Steve and his wife Bonnie reside in Brandon with two of their three children: Hannah and Brandon. Their other child Jessica, is now married (Jessica Newton). She and her husband Jacob live in Brandon as well.


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ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERGreenville, SC, native Jim Bishop, 43, begins his 19th year as the club’s Assistant General Manager and his 22nd overall with the Double-A Braves. Bishop spent his first 13 years with the organization in Greenville, SC, before the club relocated to Pearl for the 2005 season.

Bishop’s wide-ranging duties include assisting to manage the staff in advertising, corporate outing and promotional sales, the hiring and managing of in-season game day employees and the coordination of outside/special events hosted at Trustmark Park. In addition to his work at Trustmark Park, Bishop enjoys donating his time and efforts for various non-for-profit organizations in the community, including the Pearl Kiwanis Club, Brandon High School Athletic Programs and the Salvation Army, just to name a few.

Bishop’s tenure with the team began in 1992 as an intern with the Food and Beverage Department, before concluding the season as Visiting Clubhouse Manager. He then progressed through the organization serving as Food & Beverage Director in 1993 and Ticket Manager for the 1994-95 seasons. Bishop was named Assistant General Manager in the fall of 1996.

A 1992 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration, Bishop worked for the USC Athletic Department, serving as student equipment manager with the Gamecock football team during his college years. During his tenure, Bishop worked under head coaches Joe Morrison and Sparky Woods, with the highlight of his college years being the Gamecocks facing Indiana in the 1988 Liberty Bowl.

Jim, his wife Krista and their two sons, Jack (16) and Davis (14) reside in Brandon. When not at the ballpark or working with a non-for-profit organization, “Bish”, as he is known to friends around the park, enjoys spending time with his family, an occasional round of golf and cheering on the Braves and Gamecocks.


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MEDIA RELATIONS AND RADIOMEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER

Miranda Black enters her fifth season with the Mississippi Braves in 2014 and her second season as Media Relations Manager. After spending two seasons (2010-11) as a media relations/sales trainee, Black was hired as a full time Sales Associate in September 2011. She held that position until transitioning to her current role in March 2013.

Black is responsible for roster moves, game notes, press releases, game recaps and newsletters. She fulfills photo requests and manages the M-Braves social media outlets. Black also maintains her previous role selling season tickets, mini plans, groups, parties and advertising.

A 2011 honors graduate from The University of Southern Mississippi, Black earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration. During her two years at Southern Miss, Black served as Baseball Secretary and Media Relations Staff Assistant.

Black is a 2009 graduate of Jones County Junior College where she received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. At Jones, she worked in both the athletic and marketing departments while also working in the alumni/foundation office. Black spent two years as Baseball Statistician, and she also served as Sports Editor for The Radionian.

Originally from Ellisville, MS, Black is a 2007 graduate of South Jones High School. Having grown up playing fastpitch softball, she is an avid sports fan, especially baseball and NASCAR. Black currently resides in Flowood, and in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.

RADIO BROADCASTER

Kyle Tait enters his fourth season as the “Voice of the M-Braves” on WYAB 103.9 FM.

Tait began his play-by-play career in 2007 calling Georgia Tech baseball. Since then, he has called more than 700 baseball games, including nearly 500 with the Double-A Braves.

His resume also includes a stint hosting “The Kyle Tait Show” in Jackson, MS, and a season as color commentator for Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball. In the offseason, he serves as public address announcer for Belhaven University football, basketball and baseball.

A native of Atlanta, Tait graduated from Georgia Tech in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Management. He resides in Brandon with his wife Megan and two dogs, AJ and Indy. For more on his work, visit www.HearKyleTait.com.


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MANAGER AND STAFF


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MANAGER2012-2014 MANAGER

Aaron Holbert returns to Double-A Mississippi for his third season managing the Missis-sippi Braves. After leading the Carolina League Kinston Indians for two seasons (2010-11), Holbert made his Double-A managerial debut in 2012 when he joined the Atlanta Braves organization.

Holbert led the 2013 M-Braves team to its first playoff appearance since 2008. The club went 76-63, posting a new M-Braves record for regular season wins. The M-Braves pitch-ing staff finished the regular season with a 3.07 team ERA.

That number ranked second in the Southern League and was the best in M-Braves his-tory. LHP Alex Wood was also called up to the Atlanta Braves on May 30, 2013, and catcher Christian Bethancourt was called up on September 9, 2013.

In his inaugural campaign, Holbert led the M-Braves to a 62-77 record. The 2012 season featured many highlights including the promotion of shortstop Andrelton Simmons directly to the Atlanta Braves on May 31. On August 6, the M-Braves notched its 500th franchise victory with a 2-1 victory over the Lookouts. Gary Moran also claimed the Southern League ERA Title, and Todd Cunningham finished third in the league’s batting title race. Following the season, Holbert managed in the Arizona Fall League. After a four-year tenure in the Cleveland Indians organization, Holbert became the fifth manager in M-Braves history. During his time as manager with the Kinston Indians, Holbert led the team to back-to-back playoff division series, winning the Carolina League’s Southern Division in 2011. Not only was Holbert named the 2011 Carolina League Manager of the Year, he was also selected by Baseball America as the best manager at the Advanced-A level. Holbert began his managerial career with the Lake County Captains, Cleveland’s Low-A Affiliate, in 2008 and returned again as manager in 2009. Before his career with the Indians, Holbert coached in the Cincinnati Reds orga-nization with the 2006 Gulf Coast League Cardinals as well as in the 2007 Rookie League team, the Billings Mustangs. Prior to his managing and coaching career, Holbert spent 17 years as a professional baseball player. As a first round Cardinals draft pick in 1990, Holbert spent the next few years in their Minor League system and made brief appear-ances in the big leagues with St. Louis in 1996 and Cincinnati in 2005. Over the course of his career, Holbert played professionally with eight different organizations which included Boston, Cincinnati, Florida, Pittsburgh, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. Following the 2005 season, Holbert retired to begin his coaching and managerial career in 2006. A native of Long Beach, CA, Holbert graduated from Jordan High School in 1990 where he was named an All-Califor-nia High School All-Star in his senior season. Holbert currently resides in Tampa, FL. He enjoys fishing and boating in his free time.


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COACHING STAFF2013-2014 PITCHING COACH

After joining the Atlanta Braves organization in 2013, Dennis Lewallyn enters his second season as the Mississippi Braves pitching coach. He spent the 2011-12 seasons as the Cubs’ Minor League Pitching Coordinator.

With a 3.07 team ERA, Lewallyn’s 2013 pitching staff posted the best numbers in Mis-sissippi Braves history and ranked second overall in the Southern League. Early in the season, the staff was highlighted by left-hander Alex Wood. Wood went 4-2 with a 1.26 ERA in 10 starts for the M-Braves before being called up to Atlanta at the end of May.

Lewallyn is no stranger to the Southern League. He joined the Cubs organization in 2007 and served as pitching coach for the Tennessee Smokies (2007-10) before taking over as the minor league pitching coordinator (2011-12). Tennessee appeared in the post-season in three of Lewallyn’s four seasons with the Smokies. After retiring as a player following the 1982 season, Lewallyn spent 13 years as a pitching coach in the Los Angeles Dodgers system. He joined the Arizona Diamondbacks during the franchise’s formation and served as pitching coach for the Lethbridge Black Diamonds (1996), South Bend Silver Hawks (1997), High Desert Mavericks (1998), and the El Paso Diablos (1999-2001). Lewallyn then took over as Arizona’s Minor League Pitching Coordinator, a position he held through the 2006 season. Following his time with the D-Backs, he spent six years with the Cubs and then joined the Braves after the 2012 season.

Originally drafted by the Dodgers in the first round, eighth overall, of the 1972 draft (January Secondary), the Escam-bia High School graduate attended Chipola College in Marianna, FL. Lewallyn was also drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 1971 draft but did not sign.

The right-handed pitcher made his MLB debut on September 21, 1975. During his time in the big leagues, Lewal-lyn played for the LA Dodgers (1975-79), Texas Rangers (1980) and Cleveland Indians (1981-82). Lewallyn resides in Pensacola, FL, with his wife Kathy. They have two sons, David and Bryan, and two grandchildren. He enjoys playing golf and fishing in his spare time.

2014 HITTING COACH

Hitting coach Jamie Dismuke enters his first season with the Mississippi Braves and his sixth season in the Atlanta Braves organization. Dismuke joined the Braves in 2009 and spent five seasons as Triple-A Gwinnett’s hitting coach (2009-13).

Dismuke is no stranger to the Southern League. Before joining the Braves, he spent nine seasons in the Cincinnati Reds organization and served as hitting coach for the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts (2004-08) for five seasons. Dismuke served as interim manager for the final 16 games of the 2008 season. He also spent three seasons in the Cubs system, serving as hitting coach at three different locations (Mudville, Stockton and Potomac).

Dismuke coached the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the 2006 Arizona Fall League, and he was also a member of the coaching staff for the inaugural Rising Stars Showcase that fall. He began his coaching career in 1999 when he was assigned to Chattanooga as a player-coach. Dismuke joined the coaching staff full time in 2000.

A native of Syracuse, NY, Dismuke was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round of the 1989 draft. The first baseman played nine seasons in the minor leagues, eight of those in the Reds system. Dismuke and his wife, Tammy, reside in Chattanooga, TN.


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COACHING STAFF2008-2014 TRAINER

Ricky Alcantara enters his seventh season as the Mississippi Braves trainer in 2014. Prior to his stint with the M-Braves, he spent two years (2006-07) with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in the Carolina League.

Prior to joining Myrtle Beach, Alcantara served two seasons (2003-04) as head trainer with the Gulf Coast League Braves. In addition to his duties with the GCL Braves during the 2003 season, Alcantara served as an intern for the Braves Instructional League, and he also worked a Colorado Rockies homestand that year.

Alcantara served as a trainer for the Sharks in the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League during the 2008 offseason. He also attended Major League spring training in 2006 and 2011. During the 2007 offseason, Alcan-tara worked as a trainer in the Venezuelan Winter League for the Leones de Caracas.

A 2003 graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos, Alcantara was a member of the TSU athletic training staff and earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. He resides in Dallas, TX.

2014 mississii braes media guide table of contents … · the media lot is directly behind home...

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