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Von Hayes Manager 
Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Von Hayes returns to the Lancaster Barnstormers for his second season as the field manager. Hayes, 50, enjoyed a twelve year Major League career with three different teams. Over the past few years Hayes has seen new life in baseball and has begun a coaching career.
Hayes started his major league baseball career with the Cleveland Indians in 1981. In 1983 the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Hayes from the Indians in the now infamous five-for-one trade. The trade sent Manny Trillo, George Vukovich, Jay Baller, Jerry Willard and Julio Franco to Cleveland and in return Hayes went to the Phillies. Hayes enjoyed much of his career success with Philadelphia. In 1986, he led the National League in runs, doubles and extra base hits. In 1989 Hayes made his only All-Star appearance. On June 11, 1985, Hayes became the first player to hit two home runs in the first inning of a baseball game. Hayes started the game off with a homerun off of Tom Gorman and later that inning he hit a grand slam off of Calvin Schiraldi. The Phillies won the game 26-7, which at that time was the most runs scored in a game. Hayes ended his playing career in 1992 with the California Angels. After some time off from baseball, Hayes began his coaching career. He began as a hitting coach with the Arizona Diamondback class A-affiliate in South Bend, Ind. in 2002. In 2003, the Oakland A’s named Hayes as the manager of their class A-affiliate in Modesto, Calif. Hayes was promoted to the A’s double-A club in Midland, Texas in 2005. In Hayes four-year managerial career he won two championships and posted a record of 318-237.
Tom Herr Bench Coach 
Tom Herr rejoins the Lancaster Barnstormers for his third season. After spending the Barnstormers first two years as manager, he returns after a two year hiatus as the bench coach. Following the 2006 Championship Season, Herr managed the Washington Nationals Class A affiliate the Hagerstown Suns. A lifelong resident of Lancaster, Herr had a prolific, 13-year Major League playing career with five teams, most notably the St. Louis Cardinals from 1979-1988. His best season came in 1985, when he batted .302 with, 110 RBI, 97 runs, 38 doubles and 31 stolen bases, on his way to playing in the All-Star game and helping his team to the World Series. Herr, along with Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, formed one of the best double play combinations in baseball, three times leading league in twin killings. Since retiring after the 1991 season, the 52-year-old was an assistant coach for 12 seasons for the baseball team at his high school alma mater, Hempfield High in Landisville, PA., where he coached his two sons – Jordan and Aaron. Tom resides with his wife, Kim, in Lancaster County. Bill Bliss Pitching Coach 
Bill Bliss, the Phils’ pitching coach with their New York-Penn League affiliate the past three seasons, has been named as the Barnstormers new pitching mentor for the 2009 season. He replaces Major League veteran Rick Wise, who retired at the end of last season.Bliss will join skipper Von Hayes and bench coach Tom Herr, both former big league Phillies, on the Lancaster staff in 2009. The 39-year old is a native of Stoneboro, Pa. between Pittsburgh and Erie and played college baseball at Villanova University. The 6’6” right-hander was signed by the Chicago Cubs as their third round draft choice in 1991 and spent five years working in the minors before injuries ended his career. He became a scout with the Baltimore Orioles in 2002 and joined the Philadelphia organization in 2006 as a coach for Batavia, N.Y. He stayed with the Phillies the last two seasons as their affiliation switched to Williamsport, Pa. |
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