Lodi GrapeSox Baseball

Leon Lee, one of the most charismatic baseball personalities in all of California, will Skipper the 2008 Lodi GrapeSox. Lee, father of Chicago Cubs All-Star first baseman Derek Lee, will lead the ‘Sox in this their inaugural season.

Lee’s career, both as a player and a coach, has a storied past. During his playing career, Lee became famous for being one of the first great American players to play full-time in Japan. Though he played for 13-plus seasons, he is best known for one of the most remarkable years – 1980 – in Japanese baseball history. While starring for the Lotte Orions, Lee hit .340 with 41 HR’s and 116 RBI’s.

During his career, he played in 1255 games; had an unbelievable 1436 hits; amassed 268 HR’s; and finished his career with 884 RBI’s. Though his lifetime batting average of .308 ranks with the best in Japanese baseball history, Lee was a great defender too – he won the Best Nine Award twice – in 1980 and 1986. The award, given annually to the best Japanese League player at his position, is the equivalent of Major League Baseball’s Gold Glove award.

Lee’s managing experience is as International as his playing days. His career in Japan includes two stints as the Manager of teams in the Japanese League, and he has managed teams in America’s minor league system as well. He has extensive experience in baseball, most notably as a scout for the Chicago Cubs, and a hitting instructor for several different Major League Baseball organizations. His baseball Academy, based in the Sacramento-area, features skill development for players of all ages.

Lee’s experience and lifelong dedication to the game bring a unique flavor to the GapeSox organization. The entire ‘Sox family is excited to have him on the field for 2008.

Ed Cervantes, Assistant Coach, Infielders

Eddie Cervantes brings a unique pedigree to an already stellar international coaching staff. The Sacramento resident will handle infielders and work carefully with Leon Lee as they lead the club in 2008.

Cervantes was drafted by the New York Mets as a high school player. After a few years in Major League baseball’s minor leagues, Cervantes signed on to play professional baseball in Mexico. After several successful seasons in Mexico, Cervantes came back to the United States to continue his pro career. A middle infielder by trade, “Silky” became legendary as one of the great defensive players of his time. And though he never played in the big leagues, Cervantes played on arguably one of the most entertaining professional baseball teams in modern day history.

In the 1970’s, Independent professional baseball began to gain momentum throughout the United States. One of those teams – the Portland Mavericks of Portland, Oregon – featured Eddie Cervantes in the middle infield, and famous actor Kurt Russell as one of the team’s players. The team was led by standout pitcher Cliff Holland, a three-time National Champion from the University of Southern California. Eventually, the Portland Mavericks were replaced by the Portland Beavers in MLB’s minor league system, but not before Cervantes and the rest of the Mavericks made baseball history as one of the most energetic clubs to ever play the game.

Though Cervantes will handle infielders – with an emphasis on middle infielders – he will also handle defensive systems and signals.

Wes Yourth, Assistant Coach, Outfielders

Coach Yourth comes to the GrapeSox from the University of Pacific in Stockton. Currently in charge of Baseball Operations at Pacific, Yourth will handle the outfield for the GrapeSox while posting up on the base paths as the club’s first base coach.

Each season the GrapeSox hire college coaches to work closely with the club. Yourth’s college experience – he is a former JUCO coach as well – plays well for the organization as the ‘Sox feature some of the top college talent in the country. Yourth will work carefully with the outfield, as well as advise the GrapeSox on all baseball operations. On the field, besides handling defensive assignments related to his position players, he will work carefully with Coach Lee on all aspects of hitting.

A young and up-and-coming talent, Yourth is on the fast track as a future Division I coach. His experience with the GrapeSox will be invaluable as he takes his “game” to the next level.