What has been rumored for weeks has become reality as Dale Lopes, Long Beach Black Sox Hall of Famer as a player, will now become the manager of the 2008 Long Beach Black Sox. The announcement was made today by Fred Hanker Black Sox owner. Lopes will work with Hanker on all roster moves and lineups. Dale will also coach third base and run the offense. When needed Lopes will fill in as a player. Lopes last managed Team Rainey to a to 3-2 finish in the ISC in 2005 just missing the elimination round. Lopes is well respected in the fast pitch community and will take over a Sox team that finished 31-7-1 in the SCIFL. Virtually the entire 2007 roster returns in tact for Lopes as he tries to defend the SCIFL crown. Lopes will be in attendance for the first Sox practice at Biscailuz Park in Lakewood Sunday February 10 from 12-2 PM.

Fred Hanker had this to say of the Lopes hiring.

“I needed someone to help me run the team so I can concentrate more on playing.”.”It has become more difficult to do everything and play as I get older.” “Dale will do a good job and he and I think along the same lines when it comes to strategy.” “I have known Dale for a long time and its good to have him back in the game.”

Dale Lopes is in the top 5 in every career Black Sox hitting category. He was inducted into the Sox Hall of Fame in 2007 along with Chuck Vranich. Lopes is a career .385 hitter with Long Beach and drove in exactly 100 runs in his illustrious run with the Black Sox. He is one of the original Black Sox players when Fred Hanker started the team in 2003 in the Artesia League. He is first team all time catcher for Long Beach’s tournament teams where he also was selected all tournament 8 different times. Lopes will take over the managing duties for the first time ever with Long Beach. Fred Hanker has been the only manager The Black Sox have ever had.

Lopes had this to say about the opportunity,

” It’s great to be back in fast pitch especially with the Black Sox. After a two year sabbatical, I got the itch to get back.This is a great opportunity for all of us to have a successful season. A manager is only as good as his talent and we definitely have talent. My objective is take the individual effort and mold it into a team concept.This is something I have always taught. I believe in doing things right and will continue to expect the same from my players.”

“The 2008 Sox roster is loaded with flexibility and veteran leadership. I am familiar with every player on this roster. I have either played against, played with or coached all of them. Most of them already know what to expect from me. The toughest part of my job will be to figure out whats best for the team. There is going to be a quality player at every position, and each player will have the opportunity to contribute. I will be looking foward to the 2008 season and the challenges that it may bring.”