Sports
Slammers Hire Jeff Isom as New Team Manager
Isom, who has coached or managed minor league teams for 14 years, was the Joliet JackHammers' manager in 2004 and 2005.
The Joliet Slammers have hired Jeff Isom, one-time manager of the Joliet JackHammers, as their new team manager.
He succeeds Mike Breyman, whose contract was not renewed after the 2013 season.
Isom, field manager for the Lake Erie Crushers, led his Frontier League team to a 2013 division title and the championship playoffs this year. The Crushers had a 56-40 win-loss record in 2013 and posted the league's highest batting average, .230, and a 3.38 team ERA, ranked second in the league.
Isom has coached or managed minor league and independent level teams for 14 years, including managing the JackHammers in 2004 and 2005. Of his five seasons with the Frontier League, his teams made the playoffs four times and posted an overall record of 291–195 (.598).
Slammers CEO/owner Josh Schaub said he interviewed several candidates before settling on Isom, according to a news release on the hire.
"We as an organization are extremely excited to bring Jeff on board as he has a long history of success in both affiliated ball and the Frontier League,” Schaub said in the release.
“His background also brings a wealth of player development experience as well as seasons of championship caliber success. We further look forward to getting Jeff out into our community to represent the Slammers."
Isom was a Pittsburgh Pirates 18th-round draft pick out of Purdue University in 1993 and pitched professionally for seven years before starting his coaching career in 2000 with the Canton Crocodiles (Frontier League).
His managing career also includes five years with the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate West Virginia Power (South Atlantic), Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Midwest League), Brevard County Manatees (Florida State) and Helena Brewers (Pioneer League).
“The opportunity to move closer to home and come back to Joliet is also a great opportunity that makes a lot of sense for me and my family right now," Isom, a West Layette, Ind., native said in the release.
"I’m really looking forward to competing and getting involved with Joliet and its surrounding communities.”
Isom, field manager for the Lake Erie Crushers, led his Frontier League team to a 2013 division title and the championship playoffs this year. The Crushers had a 56-40 win-loss record in 2013 and posted the league's highest batting average, .230, and a 3.38 team ERA, ranked second in the league.
Isom has coached or managed minor league and independent level teams for 14 years, including managing the JackHammers in 2004 and 2005. Of his five seasons with the Frontier League, his teams made the playoffs four times and posted an overall record of 291–195 (.598).
Slammers CEO/owner Josh Schaub said he interviewed several candidates before settling on Isom, according to a news release on the hire.
"We as an organization are extremely excited to bring Jeff on board as he has a long history of success in both affiliated ball and the Frontier League,” Schaub said in the release.
“His background also brings a wealth of player development experience as well as seasons of championship caliber success. We further look forward to getting Jeff out into our community to represent the Slammers."
Isom was a Pittsburgh Pirates 18th-round draft pick out of Purdue University in 1993 and pitched professionally for seven years before starting his coaching career in 2000 with the Canton Crocodiles (Frontier League).
His managing career also includes five years with the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate West Virginia Power (South Atlantic), Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Midwest League), Brevard County Manatees (Florida State) and Helena Brewers (Pioneer League).
“The opportunity to move closer to home and come back to Joliet is also a great opportunity that makes a lot of sense for me and my family right now," Isom, a West Layette, Ind., native said in the release.
"I’m really looking forward to competing and getting involved with Joliet and its surrounding communities.”
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