Hargrove Won’t Manage Bee Jays Next Summer

Two years was more than any BJ fan could have imagined. When BJ general manager Bob Carlile announced during the fall of 2007 that Mike Hargrove would manage the BJ’s one summer after managing the Mariners, few could believe there eyes and ears. And when Hargrove returned for a second summer, the BJ’s were ecstatic. But two years is enough for now. Hargrove cites family as a reason to stay put in Cleveland this summer rather than coach the BJ’s. Hargrove informed Carlile of his decision about one week ago. Carlile offered Hargrove the opportunity to manage the BJ’s and take a week-long break during the summer to see his family. Hargrove told Carlile he didn’t want to leave the team. “I told him you have done so much for us,” Carlile said of what he told Hargrove. “I wouldn’t be against him coming back in a few years.” Hargrove managed the BJ’s to a fourth place finish at the NBC in 2008 and a third place finish this summer. Hargrove’s departure also means NJCAA Hall of Famer and SCCC head coach Galen McSpadden won’t return as pitching coach for a third season. But Hargrove’s assistant this past year Emporia State’s John Martin will manage the team. Martin coached third and assisted the Bee Jays this summer. He is an assistant for Bob Fernelli at ESU. Martin agreed to manage the team on Friday and will be in the process of finding an assistant coach.