In The News
Blacksnakes Sign "Dirty" Al Gallagher as new Field Manager
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2007
Contact: Greg Lynch
Office: 816-279-6777
ST. JOE BLACKSNAKES NAME
“DIRTY” AL GALLAGHER NEW FIELD MANAGER
CHRIS CARMINUCCI ACCEPTS POSITION WITH ATLANTIC CITY SURF
St. Joseph, MO - The St. Joe Blacksnakes of the American Association has announced that “Dirty”Al Gallagher will take over as the new Field Manager. He replaces Chris Carminucci who has accepted a position as Field Manager with the Atlantic City Surf in the Can-Am League. Both teams are owned by Ventura Sports Group.
Gallagher, 62, played third base for four years in the major leagues with the San Francisco Giants and the California Angels. “Dirty” Al was taken in the first round of the 1960 draft and played his first season for the Giants in 1970. His best season came in 1971 when he appeared in 136 games and hit .277 with 5 home runs, 119 hits, 57 RBI’s and scored 47 runs.
“Dirty” Al comes to the Blacksnakes after spending four seasons as the Manager of the Kansas City T-Bones where he led the team to the Northern League playoffs in 2004. Gallagher will replace Chris Carminucci who as accepted a position as Manager and Director of Player Personnel with the Atlantic City Surf in the Can-Am League.
“This move for Chris was for personal matters so he could be closer to his family and friends located on the east coast,” said Mark Schuster, team president. “Chris has been a tremendous asset to the Blacksnakes and will continue to oversee all baseball operations for the team.”
“I am very grateful for the opportunity that the Blacksnakes organization has provided me,” said Chris Carminucci. “My time spent in St. Joe with the fans, players and staff has been extremely rewarding and I look forward to working towards a successful 2007 season. The people of St. Joe have taken me in as one of their own and I can’t thank them enough for the hospitality. I’ve always said that my family comes before my coaching career and this is evidence of that.”
“Dirty” Al’s first game as the new skipper will come against his former team, as the Blacksnakes take on the Kansas City T-Bones in a two game exhibition home and away series. The first game will be played on Friday, May 4th at 7:05PM in Kansas City. The second game will be in St. Joseph on Saturday, May 5th also scheduled for 7:05PM.
“I could not be happier about the opportunity to bring my style of baseball to St. Joe,” said Al Gallagher. “Chris put together a club last year that barely missed making the playoffs in the inaugural season. I can promise you we will play hard on the field and our players will be accessible off the field to kids and fans alike.”
“Dirty Al comes to the Blacksnakes with a long career in professional baseball both as a player and field manager,” said Greg Lynch, Blacksnakes General Manager. “We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to bring him aboard to replace Chris.”
Group and Season Tickets are on sale now. Contact the Blacksnakes Ticket Office at 816-279-6777 to place your order or log onto www.stjoeblacksnakes.com for more information.
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