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I-Cubs begin 30th season with new manager
Everywhere new Iowa Cubs manager Bill Dancy has worked, it's been with one
goal in mind: win.
Dancy brings with him a managerial career record of 1,604-1,467, and more
importantly, a winning attitude to accompany it.
"
The overall goal of our club is to win the PCL (Pacific Coast League) championship," he
said. "That happens with a lot of teamwork and breaks in the game. The
players set their own personal goals to reach for a season, and it is our
job as coaches to give them every opportunity to reach the goals through
hard work on the field and positive attitudes."
Dancy's managerial career began 32 years ago, 22 of which have been in managerial
positions beginning with Class-A Spartanaburg. He went on to manage throughout
the state of Pennsylvania at Peninsula (A), Reading (AA), Portland (AAA),
Maine (AAA), Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA) and Clearwater (A). He led Peninsula,
Clearwater and Reading to league championships, and he plans to do the same
in Iowa.
Pitching coach Mike Mason, hitting coach Von Joshua and athletic trainer
Matt Johnson, return, and Dancy said he and his managerial staff's biggest
challenge will be dealing with roster changes, as the Chicago Cubs absorb
I-Cub players as needed.
"
As we know, there are a lot of challenges in this game. So for a manager,
it is a day-to-day challenge to have our players ready for the game," he
said. "I like the challenge of the game and seeing the different talent
from year to year. Plus, the love of the game."
Dancy's 1,604 victories rank him fourth among active minor league managers
in wins, according to the Chicago Cubs officials. While managing the Tennessee
Smokies last season, Dancy led the team to a division title and an overall
record of 86-53.
The 59-year-old Florida native was also named the Double-A Southern League
Manager of the Year. He is the I-Cubs' 17th manager in 30 years — and
hitting that 30-year mark is a cause to celebrate this summer, according
to Randy Wehofer, I-Cubs director of media relations.
"
We're happy to celebrate our 30th year of the I-Cubs, and we'll have various
things throughout the season to commemorate that," Wehofer said.
Although the I-Cubs have not made any official announcements regarding anniversary
promotions, the plans are in the works, he said. In the meantime, the organization
is offering several other promotions, such as the traditional postgame fireworks,
Bob Feller bandanas, Mike Quade jersey shirt give-a-ways, Kids Run The Bases
and more.
On opening day, the first 1,000 fans will get a magnet schedule at the first
home game Friday, April 15 against the Memphis Redbirds, where the I-Cubs
hope to go 2-0.
For the first time since 2004, the team started the season with a victory
with a 12-9 win over the Texas Round Rock Express on April 7. The game was
a personal record breaker for the I-Cubs with the highest run total in an
opener since the team's first season in 1981.
Find the schedule, a list of promotions, ticket purchases and for more information
about Dancy and the I-Cubs at www.iowacubs.com online or call 243-6111.
Locker Room note:
West Des Moines Parks and Recreation is offering Men's Drop-In 60-plus Softball at Raccoon River Park Softball Complex every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to noon from April 19 to Oct. 14. Teams will be randomly formed each day. The cost is $2 for people from West Des Moines and a $3 fee for non-residents. Contact Bruce Mankle at 222-3444, e-mail bruce.mankle@wdm-ia.com or go to www.wdm-ia.com for more information. CV
Caption: Bill Dancy is joining the I-Cubs as the new team manager, hoping to assist in a championship victory this season. Special to Cityview
