2009 FIELD STAFF
ANNOUNCED
The Rome Braves announce today their field staff for 2009 and Randy Ingle
returns as manager for the fourth consecutive season. Joining Ingle is hitting
coach Bobby Moore who is back for his seventh season in Rome and pitching
coach Jim Czajkowski who returns for his second consecutive season and fourth
in Rome in the last five years. Trainer Allan Chase joins the Rome staff in
2009.
“We are thrilled to have our entire staff back and we welcome Allan
to Rome,” says Michael Dunn, Rome Braves General Manager. “We
look forward to a promising season, full of championship baseball.”
Randy Ingle
Prior to coming to Rome in 2006, Ingle managed the Myrtle Beach Pelicans for
four seasons, managed in Macon for one year (2001) and in Richmond for two
years (1999-2000). Ingle has twice been named the organization’s Manager
of the Year (1996, ’97) and will be in his 15th season as a manager
in the Braves’ minor league system. As a player, Ingle played in the
Braves’ farm system from 1979 to 1987 including an appointment as a
player-coach at Greenville in 1987.
Bobby Moore begins his thirteenth season of professional coaching. He has
also served as hitting coach for the Macon Braves and has previously worked
with the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League. Moore played with the Braves
organization from 1992-1996, but a fractured hip in 1996 cut short his last
season in Richmond. During his ten-year professional baseball career, from
1987-1996, Moore compiled a .279 average and had 175 stolen bases.
Bobby Moore
Jim Czajkowski
Pitching Coach Jim Czajkowski was the Atlanta Braves’ 29th-round selection
in the 1986 June draft and he has played with the Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Chicago
Cubs, Colorado, and Toronto organizations. He had his first Major League call
up in 1994 with the Rockies and faced Barry Bonds as his first batter. He
ended his minor league playing career with 121 saves, a member of 12 playoff
teams while winning four championships, and a three time All-Star.
Trainer Allan Chase comes to Rome by way of the Danville Braves and will
begin his third season in the Braves organization. Chase graduated from Southern
Illinois University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in athletic
training and his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
"Having Randy, Bobby, and Jim return to Rome for the 2009 season gives
me a great deal of confidence because I know that the young men we assign
to the Rome ball club will be in good hands,” says Kurt Kemp Director
of Player Development. “All three are professionals, good teachers,
and will help these young players develop over the course of the season. Trainer
Allan Chase is the lone newcomer to the Rome staff and I know he will do a
great job in helping to keep the club healthy throughout the year."
Brian McCann to
Appear at Hot Stove Gathering
Event to Benefit Cancer Navigators
The Seventh Annual Hot Stove Gathering will be held at The Forum on Monday
January 26th from 5:30 until 7:30pm. Fans can look forward to a night of fun
as Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann will be the featured guest along with
special guests from the Atlanta Braves organization. The 2009 Rome field staff
will also be in attendance.
Brian McCann has been named a member of the National League All Star team
for three consecutive years and has captured the Silver Slugger Award for
the past two seasons. In the 2005 Division Series, McCann became the first
player in Braves franchise history hit a home run in his first postseason
at bat when he hit a three run shot off Roger Clemens. He also holds the distinction
of hitting the first postseason home run for the Rome Braves in 2003 as Rome
went on win to the South Atlantic League Championship. That season McCann
was named Rome’s Player of the Year, and named to the mid season and
post season All Star squads.
“We are thrilled to have Brian McCann come back to Rome and help keep
Beach’s memory alive,” says Rome General Manager Michael Dunn.
“This will be a one of a kind event with a Major League All Star and
other great guests on hand where fans can talk baseball.”
Proceeds will benefit Cancer
Navigators in memory of Jim Beauchamp, a former Braves player and coach
who passed away in 2007 after a long battle with leukemia. Cancer Navigators
is a Rome-based patient advocacy organization providing access to important
resources that touch all levels of the healing experience. Resources are available
to cancer patients, family members, and health care providers who treat cancer
patients. “Lives are changed forever by a diagnosis of cancer,”
says Dan Sweitzer, Acting Executive Director of Cancer Navigators. While we
are fortunate in Rome to have an impressive array of professionals, technology
and facilities to address the medical needs of patients, Cancer Navigators
is here to help patients and families cope with the effects of diagnosis and
treatment on everyday life.” This not-for-profit organization assists
patients who need transportation to their treatments, help with medications,
and assistance in coping with stress and anxiety. At Cancer Navigators, a
dedicated team works to nurture and renew the spirit of those affected before,
during, and after cancer treatment.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served and an autograph session
in addition to a question and answer program will take place. Door prizes
will be given throughout the evening. Once again this year the Rome Braves
will hold a silent auction from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Items have been donated from
Major and Minor League teams across the country.
Tickets for the event can be purchased online
at $30 per person, the Forum in downtown Rome, or at the Rome Braves ticket
office. Tickets are limited.
Coats
for Christmas 2009
The 2009 edition of Coats for Christmas was a tremendous success
and thanks to all that contributed. Also a huge "thank you"
goes to South 107 and Rome Cleaners.
"First of all, the Floyd County Baptist Association is so grateful to
the Rome Braves for the coats that were donated. These coats will be distrubted
to needy families in Rome and Floyd County. We will begin distribution of
these coats on Tuesday December 23rd and continue through the winter months.
In January, we will be announcing two full days when families can come by
the association office on Burnett Ferry Road and pick up coats. Again,
thanks to The Rome Braves, South 107 and Rome Cleaners for this wonderful
gift. May God Bless all of you this Christmas season and in 2009"
Brenda Gail Baldwin-Director of Church and Community Ministries-Floyd County
Baptist Association
Rome
Braves Unveil New Alternate Uniform
The Rome Braves have a new alternate jersey
and hat. The hat is navy with the Roman column overlaid with crisscrossing
tomahawks. The navy jersey has ROME in bold gray and white letters.
“We are excited and honored to unveil our alternate logo,” says
Rome Braves General Manager Michael Dunn. “The hat and jersey will give
a unique look to our team and represent our city with bold letters on our
chest while playing in the 15 South Atlantic League cities. The hat and jersey
will be worn during special games and batting practices both home and on the
road.”
The color combination adds to the white, gray and red jerseys the team currently
wears.
“Mike Dunn and the Rome organization have hit a home run with the
new jersey and hat that clearly identify Rome,” says Al Hodge, president
and CEO of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited that
the team will add to the Rome identity.”
Hats are on sale at the Tradin’ Post at State Mutual Stadium and additional
merchandise will be available in coming weeks.
2009
Ticket Prices Announced
The Rome Braves announce that ticket prices (season and individual)
for the 2009 season will remain the same. The Braves have held these prices
since the 2005 season.
Season Individual
Club $690
$10
Field $490
$8
Box $340
$6
General Admission (Applebee’s Home Run Hill) $4
2009 Summer Six Packs along with the 2009 Promotional Calendar will be available
soon and more information will be forth coming. Rome’s home opener is
April 14th against Savannah.
