Tweet
Pittsburgh Pa. -
25 years is a long time. That number signifies the amount of years that Lonnie Hyde has been the manager for the Pittsburgh Millers.
He's seen just about everything during his tenure, from the miserable 98-99 seasons where the team won 58 games in back to back years, to the current stretch of success in which the Millers have seen 8 consecutive playoff appearances which also included the 2006 season where the team won 108 games.
He's missing one thing. A Brewmasters Cup title for himself, and the city of Pittsburgh.
"Lonnie Hyde is a legend in this city," GM Mike said, "He's been such a steady figure in this organization, and as much as I want the championship at a personal level, getting him that ring is what matters to me most."
The general manager isn't the only person who feels that way about the manager.
Superstar, all-world, annual DL Stout Slugger candidate Ethan Bafford, who was two years old when Hyde first took over the Millers, echoed the sentiments of the rest of the organization.
"This division meant a lot to me, as you know, I told you in the spring that we had one common goal and didn't want to be a wild card team every year. But what (winning) the division means to me is that we are 12 wins away from getting skip that ring. In my opinion he's a hall of fame, he just needs to put that icing on the cake, and that ring on his finger."
The imposing 6'4, 215 pound 64 year old from Clarkston Heights, Washington is the same way he always is when we talked to him for this interview. Calm and reserved, ready for battle.
"I've always said that I want my players to grow, as men, when they play for me. If you reach this level, it's not my job to teach you how to play the game. What I expect from my teams is 100% effort and heart. As a manager, that's all I require. Mistakes happen, wins and losses are part of the game. When you reach the postseason, every team is good. Its the teams that want it more that the other guys that will be victorious."
The Millers know they have a tall task ahead of them when the 98 win, division foe, Maine Guides come to town.
"Their pitchers are nasty, their lineup is solid and their pen is tremendous." AJ Hightower, game two's likely starter said. "But we're pretty f------ good too. People don't want to give us credit and we damn near won 100 games."
How can a 99 win team be an underdog? After all, the Millers held off the Mighty Guides and the powerhouse Patriots to capture the division.
"Some players say they don't pay attention to the news, and what people have said about them," first baseman Jamie Monson said, "Well I do. I'm addicted to twitter and I follow all the news outlets. They said we'd finish third before the season. They said we'd lose our hold on the division. Now everyone's gonna pick them to beat us. That's fine, just don't kiss our ass when we do the damn thing."
Powerful words by a very powerful man.
The Millers are confident going into the postseason, but as history has shown before, the postseason is not usually kind to the boys from the 'Burgh.
Maybe this time it will be different.
Maybe this time, Lonnie Hyde will be the manager hoisting the cup above his head, with a cigar in his mouth, and drenched in champagne.
25 years is a long time. That number signifies the amount of years that Lonnie Hyde has been the manager for the Pittsburgh Millers.
He's seen just about everything during his tenure, from the miserable 98-99 seasons where the team won 58 games in back to back years, to the current stretch of success in which the Millers have seen 8 consecutive playoff appearances which also included the 2006 season where the team won 108 games.
He's missing one thing. A Brewmasters Cup title for himself, and the city of Pittsburgh.
"Lonnie Hyde is a legend in this city," GM Mike said, "He's been such a steady figure in this organization, and as much as I want the championship at a personal level, getting him that ring is what matters to me most."
The general manager isn't the only person who feels that way about the manager.
Superstar, all-world, annual DL Stout Slugger candidate Ethan Bafford, who was two years old when Hyde first took over the Millers, echoed the sentiments of the rest of the organization.
"This division meant a lot to me, as you know, I told you in the spring that we had one common goal and didn't want to be a wild card team every year. But what (winning) the division means to me is that we are 12 wins away from getting skip that ring. In my opinion he's a hall of fame, he just needs to put that icing on the cake, and that ring on his finger."
The imposing 6'4, 215 pound 64 year old from Clarkston Heights, Washington is the same way he always is when we talked to him for this interview. Calm and reserved, ready for battle.
"I've always said that I want my players to grow, as men, when they play for me. If you reach this level, it's not my job to teach you how to play the game. What I expect from my teams is 100% effort and heart. As a manager, that's all I require. Mistakes happen, wins and losses are part of the game. When you reach the postseason, every team is good. Its the teams that want it more that the other guys that will be victorious."
The Millers know they have a tall task ahead of them when the 98 win, division foe, Maine Guides come to town.
"Their pitchers are nasty, their lineup is solid and their pen is tremendous." AJ Hightower, game two's likely starter said. "But we're pretty f------ good too. People don't want to give us credit and we damn near won 100 games."
How can a 99 win team be an underdog? After all, the Millers held off the Mighty Guides and the powerhouse Patriots to capture the division.
"Some players say they don't pay attention to the news, and what people have said about them," first baseman Jamie Monson said, "Well I do. I'm addicted to twitter and I follow all the news outlets. They said we'd finish third before the season. They said we'd lose our hold on the division. Now everyone's gonna pick them to beat us. That's fine, just don't kiss our ass when we do the damn thing."
Powerful words by a very powerful man.
The Millers are confident going into the postseason, but as history has shown before, the postseason is not usually kind to the boys from the 'Burgh.
Maybe this time it will be different.
Maybe this time, Lonnie Hyde will be the manager hoisting the cup above his head, with a cigar in his mouth, and drenched in champagne.
Comment