Kevin Hooper Signs Two-Year Extension

WICHITA, KS- Wichita Wingnuts field manager Kevin Hooper has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the team.

The agreement ensures that Hooper, the 2009 American Association Manager of the Year, will remain as the Wingnuts skipper through the 2011 season.

"I'm thoroughly excited that Kevin and I came to an agreement on a two-year extension", said Wingnuts' General Manager Josh Robertson.  "He's a great manager and you couldn't even tell that he was in his first season.  I know some affiliated teams had called him about his services, so it means that much more to us that he chose to stay in Wichita."

In just his first season as a professional manager, Hooper guided the Wingnuts to a league-best regular season record of 58-38 that included the franchise's first trip to the postseason.  The Wingnuts dominated in the first half, posting a mark of 32-16 and winning the division title by nine games.  The Wingnuts ultimately lost to the Lincoln Saltdogs in the North Division Series in a winner-take-all fifth game.

"It's a good situation for me and it secures me at home for two more years", said Hooper.  "I'm a family guy and they're number one on the list.  Like I've always said, time with my family is time that I can't get back.  This is a special city for me having played college ball here, and I can't wait for these next two years to come."

Under Hooper's leadership, the Wingnuts finished second in the American Association in batting (.288) and first in home runs (86).  Wichita's pitching staff led the league with a 3.52 ERA, more than half a run better than any other team.  Wingnuts' pitchers also issued the fewest walks and fewest home runs.  Defensively, Wichita led the league with a .980 team fielding percentage.

Seven Wingnuts were voted into the All-Star Game in July, four of whom started in the North's 6-2 win over the South.  Five more were named Postseason All-Stars at the end of the year, including left fielder Greg Porter who also won the league's Most Valuable Player award.  Porter hit .372 to win the league batting title, one season after Hooper paced the league by hitting .373.

"It was a great year, especially being my first as a manager", said Hooper.  "I know it didn't end the way we had wanted it to, but in baseball the best team doesn't always win.  I'm a positive guy though, and we're going to continue those positive thoughts heading into next year and find the bits and pieces to make it work."

Hooper was honored as the league's Manager of the Year during the regular season's final weekend, an award that was voted on by the other managers in the league.

Hooper played the final season of his 10-year career in a Wingnuts' uniform in 2008.  Hooper's .373 batting average not only led the league, but was also 40 points better than anyone else.  The Lawrence,KS native was named the Wingnuts' second field manager on November 5th, 2008.

A four-year star at Wichita State University in which he hit .358, Hooper still ranks in the top-10 in Shocker history in many offensive categories.  Hooper was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the eighth round in 1999 and eventually made it to the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers in 2005 and 2006.  Hooper spent six years of his playing career at the AAA level, including back-to-back championships with the International League's Toledo Mud Hens in 2005 and 2006.

The Wingnuts plan to open the 2010 season in mid-May with the league schedule set to be announced in the coming months.  Wichita also hosts the 2010 American Association All-Star Game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in late-July.  For season ticket information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.

-Wingnuts-