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Bridgeport Bluefish Names New Manager For 2015 Season

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – After parting ways with longtime manager and Fairfield resident Willie Upshaw at the end of last season, the Bridgeport Bluefish announced Tuesday that Ricky VanAsselberg has been named the sixth manager in franchise history.

Ricky VanAsselberg is the new manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish, the sixth on in franchise history.

Ricky VanAsselberg is the new manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish, the sixth on in franchise history.

Photo Credit: Bridgeport Bluefish

VanAsselberg brings 16 years of professional baseball experience to the Bluefish, including nine seasons as a manager. He has won four league championships and two Manager of the Year awards.

“We’re proud to announce that Ricky will be at the helm of the Bluefish for the 2015 season,” said general manager Jamie Toole. “We believe he is the ideal fit, as Ricky is a very passionate individual and a proven winner. He brings experience and a winning ideology to the table, and will be a true leader in the clubhouse.”

VanAsselberg joins the Bluefish after a four-year stint as field manager of the Grand Prairie Air Hogs of the independent American Association.

“It’s an honor to join this franchise and be a part of the Atlantic League,” said the new manager. “We’re going to start right now by putting our best foot forward and creating a great product on the field. I can guarantee our team will play with passion and give our best effort every single day. I look forward to coming to Bridgeport and meeting all the passionate Bluefish fans.”

Before his time with the Air Hogs, the Louisiana-native made his American Association managerial debut with the Shreveport-Bossier Captains in 2009. In his two seasons there, he led the team to a 112-87 record, including an American Association Championship in 2010.

He made his managerial debut in 2006 as a member of the Alexandria Aces of the independent United League.

VanAsselberg had a seven-year playing career as a catcher and corner infielder before moving to coaching and managing. The new manager will be formally introduced to Bluefish fans in December.

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