Wingnuts manager Kevin Hooper will return for 2011

{WICHITA, Kan.) — The Wichita Wingnuts announced Thursday that Field Manager Kevin Hooper will return for the 2011 season.

Hooper enters his third year as the Wingnuts' skipper with a record of 108-84 (.563) that includes the franchise's first postseason appearance in 2009.

"The Wingnuts organization, from the owners, to myself, and to the rest of the front office, is extremely happy that Kevin will be returning next year", said Wingnuts' President Josh Robertson.  "I know he was offered a great opportunity to manage in the Detroit Tigers' organization, so it means a lot to everyone involved with our team that he has chosen to stay and take care of our unfinished business."

The 33-year old Hooper led a remarkable turnaround this past season that saw the Wingnuts rebound from a fifth-place finish in the first half to go 30-18 in the second half where the team ultimately fell one game shy of the playoffs.

"I am happy to announce that I will be returning as the Wingnuts' manager in 2011", said Hooper.  "It was a tough decision because of my relationship with the great people in the Detroit Tigers' organization.  I have so much respect for them and thank them for even thinking of me for the position they offered.

"Wichita is home for me now, and my family is the most important thing in my life.  At this point in my managing career, being home with my family is priceless.  The Wingnuts have taken care of myself and my family from day one and I can't thank them enough for the opportunity to manage for a first class organization.  I can't wait to take the field in 2011 and give it my all again to try and bring home a championship to the great city of Wichita."

As a rookie manager in 2009, Hooper piloted the Wingnuts to the American Association's best record at 58-38 (.604) which included the North Division's first half title.  Seven Wingnuts were selected as midseason all-stars, while five were named to the league's postseason all-star team, including 2009 Player of the Year Greg Porter.  Hooper was honored as the American Association's 2009 Manager of the Year.

Hooper played professionally for 10 years, including two in the Major Leagues with the Tigers in 2005 and 2006.  The Lawrence, KS native finished his career as the Wingnuts' shortstop in 2008, winning the league batting title at .373.

The Wingnuts open the 2011 season in mid-May.