The Kansas City T-Bones and manager Tim Doherty have announced that 2009 Northern League Relief Pitcher of the Year Andy Shipman has been named pitching coach for the T-Bones’ 10th anniversary season.
 
Shipman spent parts of three seasons on the mound for Kansas City, including last year when he appeared in 32 games before being traded to the Gary SouthShore RailCats. The right-hander posted 11 saves for the T-Bones in 2011 while striking out 32 batters in 31 1/3 innings of work.

A native of Warrensburg, MO, Shipman played collegiately for the University of Missouri before beginning his professional career as a nondrafted free agent with the Boston Red Sox. He later advanced as high as Triple-A Iowa as a member of the Chicago Cubs organization in 2006.

The T-Bones have also announced that bench coach Kenny Hook will be returning for his second season. Hook played shortstop professional for the Amarillo Dillas from 1997-2001 and currently serves as the MCC-Maple Woods Sports Training Center coordinator and assistant head coach for Maple Woods Community College.

Shipman and Hook will join Kansas City legend and Royals Hall of Famer Frank White as members of Doherty’s coaching staff for the 2012 season.

"A crafty strategist on the mound, Shipman’s been a proven winner around the league," T-Bones' President Adam Ehlert said. "His addition, with Frank White and the return of Kenny Hook, gives Manager Doherty a well-rounded coaching arsenal in his preparation for a championship season."