Rollins Rolls, Hayes Hired

While most of you were rightfully celebrating the selection of Jimmy Rollins for the 2007 MVP Award, you may have missed another bit of news about a former Phillie. The Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League announced they have hired none other than (drum roll please...)Mr. Von Hayes to manage the team next year. Thus continues the trend of former Phillies landing coaching jobs, albeit a minor league job in this case. Things that make you go hmmmmmm.

An interesting subplot emerged in the hiring of Hayes, as the Philly Daily News reports:

Hayes, a 1989 All-Star with the Phillies, was chosen from a group that included Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, former Baltimore catcher Andy Etchebarren, former Boston manager Butch Hobson, former Mets infielder and successful minor league manager Wally Backman and Tom Herr, who led the Barnstormers to the Atlantic League title in 2006.

Atta guy! Way to beat out a Hall of Famer in Gary Carter! You'll notice that he beat out two other former Phils-- Tommy Herr (who helped them win the title in 2006)and Wally Backman. Also notable is that Rick Wise will stay on as pitching coach for his fourth year in that position, according to said article.

Hayes, who may hold the record for having the widest batting stance in the history of the game, has a career minor league coaching record of 318-327, having coached in the Oakland A's and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations. He also was able to lead two different teams to championships.

According to Baseball-Reference.com, Hayes had a close-to-an-MVP year in 1986 when he hit .305 with 19 homers 98 RBIs, and 107 runs scored. He lead the league in runs, doubles, and extra base hits that year and made the All-Star team.

He may best unfortunately be remembered for being traded by the Indians in 1982 for Manny Trillo, George Vukovich, Jay Baller, Julio Franco, and Jerry Willard. That's a tough act to live up to, and Vonnie baby tried his hardest, but I don't think that most fans would consider that an even trade in retrospect. Such is life.

Good luck Von, and show them whippersnappin Barnstormers how to play ball... the Philly way.