Jimmy Gonzalez named 2016 Midwest League Manager of the Year
South Bend Cubs skipper Jimmy Gonzalez was named Midwest League Manager of the Year this week. Gonzalez is in his second year as manager of the Cubs’ Low-A affiliate in South Bend.
Jimmy Gonzalez was voted by his peers as the best manager in the league. The Midwest League Post-Season Awards were voted on by the League’s sixteen field managers.
Gonzalez led the South Bend Cubs to a 41-28 (.594) record in the first half, the best record in the Eastern Division. The SB Cubs punched their ticket to the post-season with the first half title.
Low-A South Bend is 38-21 (.644) in the second half, a game back of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Tampa Bay Rays).
Overall, the South Bend Cubs are 79-49 (.617) on the season, the second best record in the Midwest League.
This is Gonzalez’s third season as a manager in the organization, his second with the South Bend Cubs. Gonzalez made his managerial debut in 2014 with Rookie League Mesa after serving as hitting coach with the club in 2013. Gonzalez is a former catcher and played 14 minor league seasons after he was selected in the first round of the 1991 draft by Houston.
“It’s a great honor and humbling to be named Manager of the Year,” said Jimmy Gonzalez in a statement. “This team, these players and coaches gave me this award. I’m not doing this alone. If I didn’t have that collective, I would not have received this award.”
Eloy Jimenez, the league’s MVP and Prospect of the Year, headlines an impressive list of players that have suited up for South Bend this season. Gonzalez has helped with the development of prospects such as Ian Rice, Daniel Spingola, Andrew Ely, Donnie Dewees, P.J. Higgins, Eddy Julio Martinez, Andruw Monasterio, Ryan Kellogg, Adbert Alzolay, Preston Morrison, Carson Sands, Justin Steele, Craig Brooks, Jose Paulino, Oscar De La Cruz and Duane Underwood Jr. while continuing to provide a winning environment that will result in a postseason appearance.
• A Mid-Season Chat with South Bend Cubs Manager Jimmy Gonzalez [July 11]