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The Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat have announced Steve Fish as manager for the 2012-2013 season. Fish has previously served as an assistant coach to the team and is currently Baseball WA's Player Development Manager.
"Steve has been working in Baseball WA in one way or another for many years and thoroughly deserves this opportunity," said Chairman Geoff Hooker. "This is a new and exciting step in his coaching career."
The Portland, Oregon native is a Boston Red Sox scout, as well as a former professional baseball player and coach from the United States. He spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels organization and was named their minor league player of the year in 1998.
From 2008 to 2011, Fish coached the Wannaroo Giants state league team to a pair of championships. He hopes to have similar success with the Perth Heat on Australia's most-competitive level.
"These guys have proven that they know how to win championships," said Fish, referring to the success of the 2011 and 2012 Perth Heat teams. "It's my job to make sure we're in a position to repeat that success, grow as athletes, and bring another Claxton Shield title to our incredible fan base"
Fish will fill the role that Brooke Knight held the past two seasons. Knight elected to stay put in Oregon this year to spend more time with his family.
"I've got big shoes to fill," Fish told Channel Ten during a Wednesday press conference. "Brooke Knight is a tremendous man with great baseball expertise, and I've learned a lot in working with him these past couple years."
Despite his new duties as manager, Fish will continue working with young athletes across WA to improve their baseball knowledge and skill level.
The Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat will begin spring training on October 18 at Barbagallo Ballpark. The home opener falls on November 16. Individual tickets are now on sale.
