Myrtle Beach Pelicans Skipper Earns Prestigious Honor
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2734314542_28889e3f10_m.jpg The Myrtle Beach Pelicans announced Tuesday that manager Rocket Wheeler has been named the 2008 Minor League Manager of the Year by Baseball America. Wheeler, in his third year as Pelicans' manager, guided the team to a Carolina League-best 89 regular season wins (89-51) and a sweep of the first and second half Southern Division titles.
Following the season, Wheeler was awarded the 2008 Carolina League Manager of the Year Award. He also managed the 2008 Carolina League All-Stars to a 3-1 victory over the California League in the 2008 California-Carolina League All-Star Game, played in Myrtle Beach in June.
"I am extremely grateful to be honored with an award of this magnitude," said Wheeler. "This truly is a team award, and our successes this season were certainly due to the tremendous staff and wonderful group of players I had the opportunity to lead. I would like to thank DC (Bruce Dal Canton), Rick (Albert), Mike (Alvarez) and all of the players for the phenomenal efforts they put forth this year."
On August 4th, Wheeler notched his 1,000th career win as a minor league manager as the Pelicans blitzed the Kinston Indians, 17-2. The moment was even more of a highlight for Wheeler as he handed the ball to rehabbing starter Tom Glavine (pictured), who started on the mound for Myrtle Beach.
Under Wheeler's tutelage, the Pelicans set 14 franchise records as a team during their run to the Mills Cup Championship Series. Among the records were nearly every significant franchise offensive mark including: home runs (153), runs scored (764), RBIs (705), batting average (.260), doubles (298) and walks drawn (518).
Additionally, the Pelicans set a franchise record for saves (51) and led the Carolina League in earned run average (3.48). Wheeler guided a team laden with prospects, including six on the opening day roster that were among the BA top-30 Braves' prospects.
Wheeler's success in 2008 continued following the Carolina League season, as he was tabbed to pilot the Mesa Solar Sox of the prestigious Arizona Fall League. Rocket led the Solar Sox to within one victory of the AFL title, after the Solar Sox tied with the Peoria Saguaros for the league's best record (26-12).
After three seasons at the helm of the Pelicans, Rocket has posted a 220-199 record as manager. Should he return for a fourth season in Myrtle Beach, he will need just 52 victories to become the franchise's all-time wins leader (Randy Ingle - 271).
Wheeler joins elite company with this award, as past winners of Baseball America's Minor League Manager of the Year Award include former and current Major League managers Buck Showalter, Kevin Kennedy, Grady Little, and two-time World Series champion skipper Terry Francona.
Pelicans season tickets, mini-plans, flex books and group outings for the 2009 season are on sale now. The Pelicans are also offering three special Holiday Gift Packs which make perfect stocking stuffers for any baseball fan. For more information, call the Pelicans at (843) 918-6000 or toll-free (877) 918-TIXX.
Source: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
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