WARREN PICKS UP 500TH WIN AS GRIZZLIES MANAGER
Grizzlies manager Phil Warren picked up his 500th victory of his Frontier League managerial career on Tuesday as the Grizzlies routed the Lake Erie Crushers by a score of 13-8.
Lake Erie (4-6) took control of the game early, adding six runs through the third and fifth innings, while leaning on its starting pitcher Josh Heddinger. The momentum completely changed in Gateway's favor in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Grizzlies (3-7) exploded for nine runs, all coming with two outs.
Blake Brown was clutch at the plate, going three-for-five, including two home runs and four RBIs. Craig Massoni and Evan Rogers also had big days at the plate, each picking up two RBIs.
Michael Elwood also shined in his appearance out of the bullpen. He pitched a little over two innings and retired all seven batters he faced, while striking out five of them.
With the win on Tuesday, Phil Warren becomes the third manager in Frontier League history to reach 500 wins. He ranks third all-time in Frontier League history in wins, second among active managers. He is behind Fran Riordan (625) and current Southern Illinois Miners skipper Mike Pinto (580).
"Phil is a tremendous leader," Grizzlies General Manager Steve Gomric said. "His dedication to his team, the Grizzlies, and this sport are to be admired. I would like to congratulate him on achieving this milestone."
Warren began his journey with the Grizzlies back in 2003 when he helped bring home the first Frontier League championship for the club as a player. During his three-year tenure as the Grizzlies' first baseman, Warren picked up 181 RBIs, 45 home runs, while maintaining a solid .292 batting average.
When Warren retired from playing in 2005, he held many of the Grizzlies career offensive records including games played, hits, home runs, and RBIs. The former Frontier League All-Star spent the 2006 season as the Director of Player Personnel. He became the fourth manager in franchise history on November 3, 2006.
"When Phil first started working for us, I asked him if he was in this for the long haul," Grizzlies' owner Rich Sauget said with a smile on his face. "It looks like he's gotten pretty far with all of his baseball knowledge and his desire to be a part of the Grizzlies organization."
In his first two seasons with the Grizzlies, he led the team to a pair of playoff appearances including a franchise-record 64 wins during his inaugural season in 2007. In 2010, Warren passed former manager Danny Cox to become the franchise's all-time leader in managerial wins. Warren led the Grizzlies to a 57-39 regular season record and a West Division title in 2012. In his 11th season as manager, he is the longest-tenured manager in Grizzlies history.
"I'm happy to have been here long enough to accomplish that," Warren said of his achieving 500 wins. "I'd like to think that some of it is a testament of me being a good recruiter and getting guys in here that help me get these wins. I guess the focus now is on 501."
The Grizzlies will be back in action against the Lake Erie Crushers on Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 7:05.
ABOUT THE GATEWAY GRIZZLIES: The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team, located a mere 100-yards from I-255 (10 minutes from downtown St. Louis). The Grizzlies offer baseball fans entertainment, the likes of which are difficult to find - affordable, family, fun in the comfortable GCS Credit Union Ballpark with a great view of the St. Louis skyline. For tickets or general information please visit gatewaygrizzlies.com or call 618.337.3000.
ABOUT THE FRONTIER LEAGUE: The Frontier League is celebrating its 25th season as a professional, independent baseball organization. Since its inception, the Frontier League has provided millions of fans to a fun and exciting baseball experience within the American Midwest. Consisting of 12 teams in two divisions and 96 game schedules, the league is recognized for the amount of talented athletes that are picked up by various MLB teams every year.