Massarelli won't return as manager
Here is a press release from the Wild Things, issued today, about John Massarelli stepping down as manager of the Wild Things. Also, pitching coach Grant Dorn, who has a coaching job at an NAIA school in Virginia, will not be back. More to follow:
Wild Things’ Field Manager, John Massarelli, will not return to manage the team for the 2008 season according to officials. Massarelli has opted to take a year away from managing.
“Mazz decided to take a year away from the rigors of managing,” said Ross Vecchio, general manager of the Wild Things. “He wants to spend time with his family right now, and traveling with the team doesn’t allow that.”
Massarelli, who reached his 500th managerial career victory during the Wild Things’ 2007 season, managed the Wild Things for four years, leading them to the playoffs each year. The Ohio native holds a 239-143 overall record with the Wild Things, and he owns the highest winning percentage among Frontier League managers at .626, and he is seventh overall in total wins. Massarelli is also the only two-time recipient of the Frontier League’s Roger Hanners Manager of the Year award (2004 and 2006).
“I will truly miss my Wild Things family,” said Massarelli. “John and Ross have been outstanding to work for; I will miss the Wild Things fans and the excitement they bring to the house of thrills. The hardest part will be to walk away from the players next year. After 21 spring and summer seasons in professional baseball I’m going to take the ’08 season and spend it with my family.”
Prior to his career in Washington, Massarelli managed for the Houston Astros organization in Auburn of the New York Penn League, Michigan of the Class A Midwest League, and Salem of the Carolina League.
The former catcher/outfielder was originally drafted by the Astros in the 8th round of the 1987 June draft from the University of Akron. He played 10 seasons in the minor leagues, including five at the AAA level. In 932 career minor league games he amassed a .271 batting average, 144 doubles, 34 triples, 19 home runs, and 288 stolen bases. As a player he was part of two championship teams: Tucson (AAA) 1991 and 1993, and he was a member of two other teams that advanced to their respective league championships: Asheville (A) 1987 and Buffalo (AA) 1995. Additionally, he was on the major league roster for spring training a total of five times (two with the Astros, two with the Marlins, and one with the Padres) during his career as a player.
“Having the opportunity to work with John the past four years has been a tremendous experience,” added Vecchio. “I’ve worked with a number of managers throughout my career, many of whom have gone on to manage or coach in the major leagues, and Mazz has his teams prepared to win night-in and night-out, better than anyone I’ve been around. The entire organization will miss having him on the field.”
In other news, pitching coach Grant Dorn, will not return to coach in Washington in 2008 either. Dorn has accepted a position coaching at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va.
Wild Things’ Field Manager, John Massarelli, will not return to manage the team for the 2008 season according to officials. Massarelli has opted to take a year away from managing.
“Mazz decided to take a year away from the rigors of managing,” said Ross Vecchio, general manager of the Wild Things. “He wants to spend time with his family right now, and traveling with the team doesn’t allow that.”
Massarelli, who reached his 500th managerial career victory during the Wild Things’ 2007 season, managed the Wild Things for four years, leading them to the playoffs each year. The Ohio native holds a 239-143 overall record with the Wild Things, and he owns the highest winning percentage among Frontier League managers at .626, and he is seventh overall in total wins. Massarelli is also the only two-time recipient of the Frontier League’s Roger Hanners Manager of the Year award (2004 and 2006).
“I will truly miss my Wild Things family,” said Massarelli. “John and Ross have been outstanding to work for; I will miss the Wild Things fans and the excitement they bring to the house of thrills. The hardest part will be to walk away from the players next year. After 21 spring and summer seasons in professional baseball I’m going to take the ’08 season and spend it with my family.”
Prior to his career in Washington, Massarelli managed for the Houston Astros organization in Auburn of the New York Penn League, Michigan of the Class A Midwest League, and Salem of the Carolina League.
The former catcher/outfielder was originally drafted by the Astros in the 8th round of the 1987 June draft from the University of Akron. He played 10 seasons in the minor leagues, including five at the AAA level. In 932 career minor league games he amassed a .271 batting average, 144 doubles, 34 triples, 19 home runs, and 288 stolen bases. As a player he was part of two championship teams: Tucson (AAA) 1991 and 1993, and he was a member of two other teams that advanced to their respective league championships: Asheville (A) 1987 and Buffalo (AA) 1995. Additionally, he was on the major league roster for spring training a total of five times (two with the Astros, two with the Marlins, and one with the Padres) during his career as a player.
“Having the opportunity to work with John the past four years has been a tremendous experience,” added Vecchio. “I’ve worked with a number of managers throughout my career, many of whom have gone on to manage or coach in the major leagues, and Mazz has his teams prepared to win night-in and night-out, better than anyone I’ve been around. The entire organization will miss having him on the field.”
In other news, pitching coach Grant Dorn, will not return to coach in Washington in 2008 either. Dorn has accepted a position coaching at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Va.
posted by Chris Dugan at
9:05 AM
31 Comments:
Chris,
Any word as to who will replace Mazz? Any thoughts? Who would you like to take the position?
Arbiiiiieeeee
The replacement comes from a short slide up the highway or a long flight across "the pond"... depending on what month it is?
Mazz was the best the league had to offer, this will be regreted. Bad move by the Things on this one ;(
Sincerely,
FORMER SEASON TICKET HOLDER!!!
Greg Jelks
If this situation would have played out last year, Mark Mason would be the obvious choice to replace Massarelli. The problem now is that Mason has a job. Based on what I was told four years ago, the Wild Things won't hire anyone who is currently a manager for another FL team. That rules out Mason, Jon Cahill at Traverse City and Fran Riordan at Kalamazoo, the latter with ties to Western Pa. from playing at Allegheny College. Ross Vecchio said the hire will be someone with managerial experience. That rules out people like Bob Bozutto, Ryan Ellis and Kevin Pincavitch. Who's left? Jelks is about all that's left with ties to the East Division in the FL. They can always look to another league.
The job has been offered to Jelks -- formerly of Slippery Rock. Don't know when they will announce it, but...would think sooner rather than later.
Chris,
Once again, it proves the pen is mightier than the sword!
Rumor has it that Les Miles is a candidate.
Why would Mason not be under consideration? The Wild Things had a ton of success while he was here....
Chillicothe (07) 47 - 49 Mason
Slippery Rock (07) 29 - 66 Jelks
Jelks (last) 2 years 75 - 116
Mason (only) 2 years 93 - 98
Jelks 2003 FL Manager of the year
Mason 2005 FL Manager of the year
Mason 2006 FL Coach of the year
Jelks one championship (7yrs)
Mason no championships (2yrs)
Mason 4 playoffs and one championship appearance with Washington. (02,03,04,06).
Both managed in tough situations. Mason (2005) Ohio Valley Redcoats, his first managing job in the league, traveling team all season (46-49). Jelks (2007) Slippery Rock, had a home field all season but on a college campus, (29-66)
Mason is a great fit. He is widely respected among the Wild Things fans. He has won awards for both Manager of the Year and Coach of the Year. He respects the game and his players. After watching the Sliders play the Wild Things on multiple occasions I cannot say the same for the Slider Manager.
Sorry to say but if this blog is correct I don't see us playing September baseball. Just my opinion from watching these men the last 6 years...
The problem with Mason is that he's under contract to Chillicothe.
Chris,
Who do you think would be the best choice?
What about Super Joe? C'mon you know you love him...
Greg Jelks will be the new manager.
Next question?
If Mass is REALLY considering a return in 2009 why would any self-respecting person take the job knowing he may soon be replaced?
Also, I don't buy the cock n' bull story that this was known in mid season. I don't know why Buzzuto, or whatever his name is, should be back either.
Why do so many of you think it should somebody "with ties to the area"? You really need to give up this "homer" stuff. Having 'ties to the area" doesn't mean a darn thing!!
I think having someone with ties to the area is a good thing. There are many talented baseball people around here. Maybe the problem is they don't want to be part of this semi-pro baseball?
It's the people of Washington that support this team why shouldn't they have one of their own to coach the club?
The reason for having a manager with "ties to the area" is two-fold: 1. It's easier to attract a manager to Washington if the guy is from within a three-hour drive of here intead of, let's say, San Francisco. 2. Most of Washington's players are going to come from the East Coast, particularly Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and New York. Thus, they're going to be products of the Big Ten, Big East, Atlantic 10, MAC, ACC, Colonial, PSAC and some D-III conferences. So it helps if your manager has a working knowledge of the colleges in the area and has contacts at those schools. Remember, it's hard to attract a kid from Oregon or Nevada to play here when he can play in the Golden League for the same money and live closer to home.
This isn't semi-pro baseball.
The players are paid - it's PROFESSIONAL baseball.
Does the Frontier League and also the Wild Things test for STEROIDS?
I would think so if they plan on signing Barry Bonds....
Yes, the FL tests twice a year for steroids. Before and after the All-Star break.
Greg Jelks will be a wonderful addition to the Wild Things. Mazz was a good manager, but when he was at third base, he got at least on runner picked off per series, if not two. And on a personal note, Mazz never got mad. I never saw him pumping his players up in the dugout, or being that vocal. I’ve always respected a manager that praised his players after a good play, or big hit. Mazz, just stood there on the steps.
The Wild Things had to have some of the worst fundamentals in the league in 2007. Players were out of position constantly and bad base running seemed to be a hallmark of team, and those types of fundamentals start at the top. And Jelks did a great job in Evansville. Slippery Rock was a disaster from the start, but with the team, facility, and schedule he had, not much could be expected.
Welcome to town Greg.
It's amazing how wrong someones perception can be! Have you ever talked to the players that played for Mazz? Did you ever arrive early for a game and see all the preperation his players put into fundamentals? His teams were AGGRESSIVE and not afraid to make a mistake. That should be applauded. He continually got more from his players than anyone else in the division. He is a professional and treats his players with the utmost respect! Being a good manager is not about yelling and screaming and showing up your players. Mazz stood up for his team, how many times did you see him arguing with umps so his players wouldn't get tossed?
The players and management knew how fortunate they were to have John Massarelli. It's ridiculous the fans didn't!
Massarelli was a good manager, and I agree with both the previous posts. There were good and bad parts to his style. However, he never got the job done. Not once. So what if they were aggressive and allowed to make a mistake. They never won a championship. I don’t know if you think finishing second is a good thing, but in the sports world from T-ball up through professional ranks, second place is just the team that couldn’t get it done.
And also, the home team took the field first on game days, so even if you did come early, you would never seem the Wild Things working out. They were already in the clubhouse.
In 04 and 05’ the Wild Things had an amazing regular season, but then in the playoffs they forgot how to play. 2007 was probably Mazz’s best managerial year because they weren’t the odds on favorite, and they go to the playoffs. But once again, they decided to stumble and got embarrassed.
Its time for a change.
WOW!!!! if that's your perception of what makes a good manager, your baseball ignorant.
Bobby Cox, Tommy Lasorda ,Billy Martin, Tony Larussa have over a 100 years of manageing and have 7 championships combined. Throw in Greg Jelks and theirs 8 championships in 105 years.
Mazz has no championships in all his time as a manager at any level. And lets not forget the talent he had avilable. I'm sorry, but Mazz is gone, and I think Jelks will do fine.
Its amazing how people turn on Mazz. First he was the scurge of the league when he didn't talk to the paper. Now you people want to put a statue of him up at the gates. Lets face it, if you come that close and lose time and time again at any level, you get replaced. No question.
The Wild Things "fans" really need to get a grip! Geez, the Frontier League IS, with NO doubt, one of the least talented, if not absolutly the most amateur, of any so-called professional baseball leagues ever!!!! They wouldn't know talent if it bit them in the rear-end!
Who cares who manages the Wild Things? I know I don't! The Frontier League is all about getting the money out of your wallet and into theirs.
I stopped going to their games two years ago and will NEVER go to one again. After the Wild Things refual to talk to reporters after the end of the 2007 season, you should all realize just how "small time" this organization really is!
The "offer" to Barry Bonds, (I know it wasn't meant to be for real) just shows how stupid they can be. Don't you think they could have at least chosen a less, let's say, controversial person? What were they thinking?
Also, as if they don't make enough on consessions, why do they permit "tip jars"? Geez. Please don't tell me that I should try going to a Pirates game and see what happens there. As a lot of you that post here know, there are those that think the Wild Things could beat the Pirates in head to head competion. Well, dream on.
My point is, the only thing truly professional about the Wild Things is that EVERYBOBY there wants a chunk of your money and your undying devotion of this bunch of proven losoers! Most of you are dumb enough to comply.
And just think - this same group of persons are probably going to control the next new Frontier League franchise in Morgantowm. Then they can get even MORE of your money!!! Whoopee!!!
Well folks, I find this all to be rather amusing.
What business does anyone have degrading these young men for absolutely no reason? These men are doing a job, and they are doing something that they love to do. Pro ball is pro ball - and many of these men were drafted at one time or another. If you don't like the Wild Things, don't go to the games. You have no business putting down those of us that enjoy the team a great deal. If you don't have anything positive to say, don't say anything at all. That's just a simple rule that any decent person follows.
Anonymous, two spots above, IS, with NO doubt, one of the least talented posters on this site. Hate to break the news to you, buddy, but the business of baseball is all about getting money out of the customer's pocket and into ownership's pocket. Always has and always will be. You're not breaking news to us. And, if you don't care about who the manager of the Wild Things is, WHY POST on this blog? I know I'll never waste my time posting on blogs about things I don't care about. Geeeez, scrape the Dorito dust off your chest and keyboard, stop being a keyboard cowboy and go get a life, buddy.
Dorito dust??? Sounds like a Gray comment from "The Dirt"
Dorito Dust? I am highly insulted by that remark!! I never touch the things - I eat only the finest Herr's potato chips. Yes, I do use a feather duster to wipe the keyboard clean. So, what's your point?
No really good defense for the Wild Losers so you make a personal attack?
Typical western Pennsylvania knee-jerk reaction.
Trolls, what does this have to do with Massarelli not returning?
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