Traverse City Record-Eagle

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  • Jan-Michael Stump

    BEACH BUMS
September 26, 2007

Manager Cahill back with the Bums

Team was 46-50 in his first season

BY JEFF PEEK

TRAVERSE CITY -- Jonathan Cahill is returning to the Traverse City Beach Bums' dugout.

The Bums' manager has also added some duties that will keep him at Wuerfel Park during the off-season. Beach Bums officials confirmed Monday that Cahill will work in the team's advertising department as well as its baseball academy this winter.

Cahill, 29, recently agreed to a one-year contract extension following his first season as manager in 2007. The Bums started 19-31, then rallied to finish 46-50 in the Frontier League's toughest division.

"I'm excited," Cahill said of his return. "I learned a lot (last season). I'm really looking forward to 2008."

Cahill was Traverse City's hitting instructor in its inaugural season in 2006. He then took over managerial duties from Jeff Isom, who left to manage the Milwaukee Brewers' Rookie League team in Helena, Mont.

"Jon did a great job in his first year," vice president/director of baseball operations Jason Wuerfel said Monday night. "He handled some very difficult personnel situations and showed maturity in dealing with a lot of early-season injuries.

"When we finally put a decent team on the field he was successful," Wuerfel said. "We're excited to have him back. He's young and enthusiastic and has a real passion for baseball. We think he can take the Beach Bums to the next level."

General manager/CFO Leslye Wuerfel said Cahill is "a great teacher," which is a benefit to both his players and area youth who attend the Bums' baseball academy.

"We have complete confidence in Jonathan," Leslye Wuerfel said. "We really feel we're all on the same page. We want the same thing -- a team that wins and that we can all be proud of."

Jason Wuerfel said having Cahill in Traverse City this winter will help as the two begin to build the 2008 team. Last year, Wuerfel and Cahill spent a lot of time talking to each other on the telphone. This winter, they can discuss possible player signings face-to-face.

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