Former ThunderBolt manager Andy Haines is on the rise again in the Miami Marlins system. The Marlins announced on Wednesday that Haines, who managed the ThunderBolts in 2007, would be at the helm of the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs for the 2014 season.
Haines began his managerial career with Windy City in 2007 and quickly became a hot prospect when his ThunderBolts won a league-record 68 games on their way to a Frontier League championship. Haines was named Frontier League Manager of the Year.
He moved on to the Marlins system after that, taking over as the hitting coach for their Gulf Coast League affiliate. He was promoted to manager of Class A Jamestown in 2009 and slowly moved up though the ranks, spending two seasons each in Greensboro and Jupiter.
Haines became a champion again in 2011, winning the South Atlantic League title with the Greensboro Grasshoppers and fell one win short of repeating with the Jupiter Hammerheads in 2012.
In 2010, Haines was named the top managerial prospect in the South Atlantic League by Baseball America, the same publication that would name him the best managerial prospect in the Florida State League in August 2013.
Haines is one of seven former ThunderBolt coaches who are currently serving in Major League organizations. He is one of two, along with Tommy Thompson, to be managing in affiliated ball. His promotion to Triple A New Orleans marks the highest level at which a former ThunderBolt coach has managed.
The Windy City ThunderBolts open their 16th Frontier League season at Standard Bank Stadium on Friday, May 16th vs. the Frontier League Greys featuring a $1.25 draft & $2.25 bottled domestic beer! Season tickets, flex plans and group outing opportunities are available now! Call 708-489-BALL or check out wcthunderbolts.com for more information!
