The Kansas City T-Bones have announced that Kenny Hook has been promoted to manager for the 2012 season.
Hook takes the reins after the departure of Tim Doherty, who will be joining the Boston Red Sox as coaching staff assistant. Doherty, who had been with the T-Bones since their inaugural 2003 season, will be with the Red Sox when they open the season at the Detroit Tigers on April 5.
“We appreciate Tim’s life-long service to the T-Bones and applaud him on his opportunity to join the Boston Red Sox organization,” T-Bones owner John Ehlert said.
Hook played locally for Crowder College and Benedictine before signing his first professional contract with the Amarillo Dillas in 1997. He earned league championship MVP honors during Amarillo’s championship season in 1999 before becoming a player/coach for the Rio Grande Valley Whitewings in 2001. He spent the 2011 season as bench coach for the T-Bones.
“We are pleased to have Kenny guide the T-Bones during our 10th anniversary season,” T-Bones’ Vice President and General Manager Chris Browne said. “Kenny is a Kansas City guy who has developed a wide network throughout independent baseball over the years. He has worked closely with Tim to build the team this offseason and we are excited to have him at the helm this summer.”
Andy Shipman will serve as pitching coach under Hook. Kansas City legend Frank White will assist with various bench roles and coach first base.
“I would like to express my appreciation to John and Adam Ehlert for this opportunity, as well as Chris and Tim for their help as well” Hook said. “I have been working towards the goal of becoming a manager, and to have the chance to do so in my hometown is very special. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to work for with the support we receive from both the front office and all the fans.”
Doherty and the Red Sox will make their lone visit to Kansas City for a three-game series against the Royals from May 7-9.
The T-Bones open the exhibition portion of the 2012 season with a 7:05 p.m. home game against Jonathan Krysa’s Lee’s Summit Monarchs on Tuesday, May 8. Opening Day for the T-Bones 10th anniversary season is set for Thursday, May 17 when Kansas City welcomes the New Jersey Jackals to CommunityAmerica Ballpark for a 7:05 p.m. interleague contest. Season tickets, group tickets and mini-plan packages are on sale now. For more information, and to purchase the ticket package that is right for you, call 913-328-5618. Stay tuned to www.tbonesbaseball.com and the T-Bones’ Facebook page for updates and special offers throughout the year.
