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Independent baseball veteran and Cy Young winner join High Point Baseball
 

(High Point, N.C., Nov. 28, 2018) – The High Point Rockers announced the signing of their first ever Field Manager and Pitching Coach at a press conference in downtown High Point on Wednesday afternoon. Jamie Keefe, a sixteen-year veteran of Independent Professional Baseball, was named the team’s first manager, while Frank Viola, the 1987 World Series Most Valuable Player and 1988 Cy Young winner, was signed as the Rockers first pitching coach.

“Success breeds success,” said Ken Lehner, Rockers Team President. “Jamie Keefe and Frank Viola have done nothing but win games and develop players over the years. The Rockers are both fortunate and proud to have them at the helm of our baseball operations efforts.”

Keefe has spent over 25 years in professional baseball both as a player and manager. A former third round pick out of high school by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992, he spent nine years as a player, reaching Triple A with the San Diego Padres in 1997. His resume as a manager includes 790 total wins, two regular-season championships, and one league title. All 16 years he has spent managing have been in independent baseball, beginning in the Frontier League in 2001 with the Chillicothe Paints, and spending the last six seasons with the Rockland Boulders of the Can-Am League.

“I have had the pleasure of working hand in hand with Jamie Keefe for five seasons in similar roles to the ones we occupy in High Point,” Lehner noted. “During that time, we averaged over 60 wins per season, leading to four playoff appearances, two division titles, and one league championship. We believe we can create sustained success here as well.”

During his managerial career, Keefe has had more than 20 players signed by Major League Baseball affiliates. In 2016, his first former player, Stephen Cardullo, was called up to the Majors after playing under Keefe for three seasons. His resume also includes three Can-Am League Manager of the Year awards, winning it once with the Pittsfield Colonials in 2011 and twice with Rockland (2015 & 2016). Keefe also set franchise records with the Boulders, winning 64 games in 2017, while advancing to the playoffs in five straight years and winning the league championship in 2014.

“I’m very thankful to Ken Lehner, Coy Williard, and the entire High Point Baseball organization for this opportunity,” Keefe said. “Working with Ken before, I know the type of success he expects and the kind of organization he wants to run. I’m confident that Frank and I will be able to create that type of atmosphere here in High Point and look forward to competing in the premier independent league in the country.”

After spending the last eight seasons working in the New York Mets organization, former Major Leaguer Frank Viola joins the Rockers with a wealth of knowledge and experience. During his tenure, Viola oversaw the development of a number of prospects, more than 40 of which reached “the Bigs” after working with him. Pitchers like Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, Seth Lugo, and 2018 National League Cy Young winner, Jacob DeGrom, have all been under Viola’s tutelage during their careers. His staffs also ranked top-three in their respective leagues in a bevy of categories, earning multiple awards. In 2013, Viola was named South Atlantic League (Single A) Coach of the Year as the Savannah Sand Gnats won their championship and saw Gabriel Ynoa earn Pitcher of the Year honors.

“It is funny how things happen in life as, truthfully, Frank Viola was not on our radar,” Lehner mentioned. “However, one phone call changed all that and we immediately went to work to add Frank to Jamie’s staff. His performance, both on the field as a Major League Baseball player and as a Minor League Baseball coach, is the perfect fit for the winning culture we are striving to attain for the High Point Rockers.”

A talented pitcher in his own right, Viola spent 15 seasons in MLB, being drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Twins in 1981. He was a three-time All-Star (1988, 1990, 1991) and helped guide the Twins to the 1987 World Series, going 2-1 in the Fall Classic en route to being named Series MVP. The following year, Viola’s 24-7 record, along with a 2.64 earned run average, earned him Cy Young honors, one of only three Twins ever to win the award. Viola was inducted in to the Twins Hall of Fame in 2005 and then inducted in to the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 for his stellar 26-2 career record at St. John’s University, including a trip to the College World Series in 1980.

“I am excited to become a part of the High Point Rockers team,” commented Viola. “Once I saw the stadium, met those involved, and saw the enthusiasm of the community, it became an easy choice. This opportunity gives me a chance to not only coach, but also learn the many other facets involved in building a winning team. I look forward to this next chapter in my coaching career!”

Both Keefe and Frank were signed to two-year deals, ensuring a strong foundation for the team that will take the field at BB&T Point next spring. Each will help in the construction of a roster that will compete in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball beginning on April 26, 2019 when they visit the Lancaster Barnstormers for the first game in franchise history. The High Point Rockers will play their first home game on Thursday, May 2, 2019 against the defending league champion, Sugar Land Skeeters.

Fans can guarantee their seats for the historic Opening Night by placing a deposit on season tickets, which can be done by calling (336) 888-1000 visiting the team offices at 214 Lindsay Street in downtown High Point or by sliding to HighPointRockers.com. Additional information about player signings, the mascot, promotions, and single-game tickets will be made available in the coming weeks.

For ongoing updates and more information, slide to HighPointRockers.com or visit Facebook at @HighPointBaseball, Instagram at @HighPointRockers, and Twitter at @RockersBaseball.

About High Point Baseball, Inc

High Point Baseball aka the High Point Rockers will begin their inaugural season in the Atlantic League in 2019 with their home opener schedule for May 2, in a brand new approximately $36M downtown ballpark named BB&T Point. Expected to enhance the rich baseball history in North Carolina, High Point Baseball is part of the fastest growing family sport in America. High Point Baseball is committed to providing superior customer service and quality, affordable family entertainment experiences for the Triad of North Carolina. Look for exciting upcoming announcements, including the team mascot. In addition, season ticket deposits are currently being accepted, while corporate partnerships are currently being crafted.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top- caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.

For more information regarding the Atlantic League, please visit atlanticleague.com.
 

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