Throwing back with John Boles

Jay's feature for Throwback Friday on the Rattler home page is John Boles.

Following a two year stint with the Gulf Coast League White Sox, John Boles was named the Appleton Foxes manager in 1983. He had been named the Gulf Coast League Manager of the Year in 1982 after leading the White Sox to a 40-23 record. His stop in Appleton would be short, but just as successful.

Boles led the Foxes to an 87-50 record during his only season at the helm of the team. They won the division by 16.5 games and only lost two games in the playoffs to claim their second straight Midwest League Championship. Boles was named Midwest League Manager of the Year for his efforts. The White Sox rewarded him with a promotion to Double A Glens Falls in 1984.

This is an interesting choice by Jay. The Jackson Sun just did a Q&A with the old Foxes manager as he was down in Tennessee watching the Diamond Jaxx play recently.
Boles evalutes Seattle's minor leaguers

The Jackson Sun asked Boles to discuss what the Mariners think about Jackson and how he chooses his future superstars.

Question: What is your first impression of Jackson and Pringles Park?

Answer: I have nothing but good things to say about Jackson. This is a terrific spot for us. The facility is outstanding. The field is beautiful. It doesn't favor the fielders, and it doesn't favor the hitters. I haven't seen a bad hop here in any of the games I've seen.

Q: (What's the worst thing a player can do?)

A: Make excuses. Sometimes players will provide a scapegoat for themselves. I heard a player on the phone once saying, 'They changed me.' He was making excuses for himself as to why he wasn't hitting better.

Q: Have you ever cut someone because of their attitude?

A: There are times when I have released a guy and said 'We just don't think you are the right fit for our organization,' and suddenly it is a slap in the face to them, and they start taking the game seriously.

Q: How do you explain to fans who just want a winning team that that is not what this level of baseball is all about?

A: We don't care if a guy hits .300 or 15 home runs in the minors. We want to develop them. I don't want my guys to peak at the Double-A or Triple-A level. I want them to continue and help us win major league games.

Yes, we want to win, both for the fans in Jackson and for the players. It's easier on the players. We want them to have a good self image. But it's not the end of the game that counts. It's the ability...