MADISON – A key behind the scenes player for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, Bubba Hearn has been named the Southern League’s Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year. The honor was announced by Major League Baseball.
This was Hearn’s second season with the Trash Pandas and 19th in professional baseball. The clubhouse manager is primarily responsible for the upkeep of the team’s clubhouse, playing equipment, on-field uniforms, and on-field workout gear.
“Bubba is elite at what he does, and elite with how he treats people,” said Trash Pandas Manager Andy Schatzley. “This combination is what makes him so effective as a clubhouse manager and as a leader. We’re all lucky to have him, and could not be more happy for him.”
Hearn deflected the credit to his colleagues and the front office staff of the Trash Pandas.
“When you’re in a great place with an amazing front office and committed support staff, it’s easy to go to the yard everyday excited and ready to do the job at the high level we expect,” he said. “I must personally thank Andrew West (visiting clubhouse manager), Luke Minor and Chris Hereford (clubhouse assistants).
“This is a team game to the final out and it’s a pleasure sharing ‘the basement’ with them. Also the bat boys and girls, they committed to the job and learned the pre-game, in-game production.”
Hearn began his career as a bat boy in 2003, the inaugural season of the Albuquerque Isotopes, then the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. He rose through the ranks becoming home clubhouse manager when the team was the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Prior to his first season with Rocket City, the Eastern New Mexico graduate spent five seasons with the Reno Aces (AAA-Arizona Diamondbacks). His first opportunity in the Los Angeles Angels system came with the Mobile BayBears in 2014.
Hearn is set to return to the Trash Pandas Clubhouse in 2024.
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