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Von Hayes Returns to Pennsylvania

by Sean Grybos

Von Hayes has returned to baseball and to Pennsylvania after a year off. Hayes will manage the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball beginning this April. Prior to joining the Barnstormers, Hayes managed in the Oakland Athletics’ minor-league system for four seasons. He won two championships (’04 and ‘05) and posted a record of 318-237. Hayes commented on his decision to return to the Keystone State.

“I was looking forward to getting back into professional baseball. I wanted to work with some players that were a little bit older than A-ball and AA players. I had the opportunity to call Dave LaPoint who is one of the managers in the league. He is an ex-teammate of mine. I asked him what this Atlantic League was all about. I came in and did an interview and was overwhelmingly surprised at how sophisticated the league was.”

Since taking over as manager in November, Hayes has used his connections from his time spent managing with the A’s organization to attract several players to Lancaster. He elaborated.

“It certainly helps to know people throughout the profession. The main thing is to have relationships with the players who have played for me and coaches who I have coached with. It is one thing to look at a name and see the position and numbers, but you have to go in-depth rather than look at a piece of paper. That is where your contacts and networks come into play.”

Lancaster captured the Atlantic League Championship in 2006. With Von Hayes’ championship pedigree as well as the talented roster available to him, Hayes is expected to maintain the Barnstormers’ success. He spoke about his expectations for the 2008 season.

“My expectations are very high. We brought in a solid core of players. We should have a very balanced lineup with right-handed and left-handed hitting. We took a little blow. I found out that Danny Gonzalez our shortstop will not be with us this year. He took a job in Mexico. Regardless of that, we still have good bats in our lineup and we should be able to play some good defense with our pitching staff.”

Von Hayes concluded our discussion with a word on the overwhelming support he has received from the Lancaster community.

“The community has been fantastic. I have gotten a lot of help with getting familiar with the area. Both myself and my family are just looking forward to the season starting and getting into the flow of the everyday activity of baseball.”

BallHype: hype it up!

Comments (14) -> “Von Hayes Returns to Pennsylvania”

  1. Adam
    10 April 2008 18:23
    1

    It is exciting to have Von Hayes back in Pennsylvania. I look forward to supporting him and the team as they go after the Atlantic Title. Go Barnstormers!

  2. Scott
    10 April 2008 19:05
    2

    As an A’s fan, he did a good job with some of the A’s players that litter the current roster and some to soon come up. Nice to see him find something else.

  3. Jimmy
    10 April 2008 19:09
    3

    Go Barnstormers! I’ve been a big fan of Von Hayes for a while. I also have been reading some of Sean Grybos’ other interviews and have to say…I’ve become a real fan. Thanks Mr. Grybos and keep up the fantastic work. Look forward to your next interview.

    -New Fan, Jimmy.

  4. Carl J.
    11 April 2008 05:31
    4

    Very well written article Sean. Glad to see Von Hayes back in PA. Hope he can bring the Barnstormers some of the magic from his 1986 season when he lead the N.L. in runs, doubles and extra base hits.

  5. Morris
    11 April 2008 07:56
    5

    Didn’t know Von was back in Pa. Thanks for the article and update on his career…Definately will be making a trip to Lancaster to see (as Chris Berman would say) Von “Purple” Hayes.

  6. Ed
    12 April 2008 10:50
    6

    The name Von Hayes is synonymous with baseball here in PA for us true fans. Good to hear he has returned. Well covered.

  7. Matt
    13 April 2008 07:45
    7

    Von Hayes, Mr. 5 for one himself. Von happens to be the reason that I always wanted to wear #9 in any sport I played. Great to have him back in the area. Thanks for the insight into what he’s up to now-a-days.

  8. Gil
    15 April 2008 07:22
    8

    I love Von!! He was my favorite Phillie as a young child Thank you Sean for keeping me aware of his most recent dabblings. Grybos ‘08!

  9. Ted
    15 April 2008 15:48
    9

    great article Sean. He worked with some of the A’s younger prospects now up in the bigs, and it will be interesting to see who he works with out in PA.

  10. craig
    15 April 2008 20:46
    10

    Von hayes was sorely missed in the area, can’t wait to go catch a game. Good read

  11. Kyle PA
    16 April 2008 18:21
    11

    glad to see Von back in PA.

  12. Peter
    23 April 2008 09:02
    12

    We love Von so much we named our band after him.

  13. Hack
    25 April 2008 15:15
    13

    Great to find out what Stick is up to these days. I remember trying to emulate Von’s fluid, effortless swing as a young lad by using an axe handle to hit horse chestnuts against the house next door then having to sneak a radio to my bedroom to catch the game later that night after being grounded. Thank you for this article Mr. Grybos.

  14. Peter
    02 July 2008 10:22
    14

    What about the band Von Hayes. They got an album coming out this month.

    http://myspace.com/vonhayes09

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