Miracle introduce manager

By DAVE DEVEREUX
Cape Coral Daily Breeze

In his one season playing for the Fort Myers Miracle, Jeff Smith mostly recalls the caliber of players that surrounded him on that team.

Among his teammates with the 1997 Miracle were A.J. Pierzynski, Jacque Jones, Doug Mientkiewicz and David Ortiz.

“Ortiz was a man among boys,” Smith said of the current Boston Red Sox slugger. “No one could get him out then, much like no one can get him out now.”

As Ortiz and the Red Sox began play in the World Series Wednesday, it was a big day for Smith as well.

The native of Naples was introduced as the new manager of the Miracle at a press conference at Hammond Stadium.

Smith, who was drafted by the Twins in the 20th round of the 1995 draft, spent nine seasons as a catcher in the minor leagues before knee problems forced him to retire.

He spent the past two seasons guiding the Beloit Snappers, the Twins’ low Class-A affiliate, and becomes the first person to ever play and manage the Miracle.

Smith, 33, who resides in Naples with his wife Ronna and their sons Cooper and Cutter, said it will be a nice change being around more in the summer.

“In my 14 years as a player and manager this will be my first time in Naples for the summer,” said Smith, a Naples High graduate. “I’m looking forward to it. Travel won’t be as long. Up there (in Beloit, Wisc.) we sometimes had 9 1/2 hour bus trips.”

Smith becomes the eighth manager in club history, replacing Kevin Boles.

Boles compiled a record of 150-130 in his two seasons at the helm, leading the Miracle to the Florida State League playoffs in 2006. Boles is leaving the Twins organization to pursue other opportunities.

Smith, who played for his father Tom Smith at Naples High before attending Stetson University, spent 1996-2002 as a catcher in the Twins’ organization. He played in both the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers’ minor league systems from 2003-2004.

In 2005, Smith was prepared to go to the Texas Rangers’ preseason camp, but he underwent his third major left knee surgery, forcing him to retire.

“That last one happened in Arlington, Texas. That ended my career,” Smith said. “While this is one of the happiest days for me, that was one of the toughest.”

Smith began his managerial career with Beloit in 2006, and in two seasons led the Snappers to a 153-125 record, advancing to the playoffs both seasons.

He was named Baseball America’s Class A Manager of the Year in 2007, after guiding the Snappers to the Midwest League championship game.

In his two seasons as a manager, Smith said one thing he learned is to create a positive environment for his players.

“The important thing to remember is the players are young kids. Most of them are 19, 20 years old,” Smith said. “You coach and coach until about 7 p.m. (gametime) and when that time comes, it’s their time to shine.”