THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, December 6, 1994 TAG: 9412060491
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Toby Harrah, a four-time All-Star infielder whose major league career spanned 16 seasons, will be the new manager of the Norfolk Tides, sources said Monday.
The Tides are expected to make that announcement later this week.
Interestingly, Harrah, 46, will again follow Bobby Valentine, his former boss with the Texas Rangers, into a managerial seat. Harrah played and coached for Valentine, the Tides' manager last season, in Texas, then managed the Rangers the second half of '92 after Valentine was fired.
Reached at his home in Fort Worth, Texas on Monday, Harrah would not confirm or deny that he has accepted the Tides' job. Neither Mets or Tides officials, at the winter meetings in Dallas, could be reached for comment.
Sources said Harrah has not signed a contract, but that it is a formality.
A deal apparently was struck last Saturday when Harrah had dinner with Steve Phillips, the Mets' director of minor leagues, in Dallas. The day before, Harrah had flown to New York to interview with Joe McIlvaine, the Mets' executive vice president of baseball operations, and his assistant, Gerry Hunsicker.
Harrah was among four candidates known to have interviewed for the job. Philadelphia Phillies third base coach Larry Bowa, former Boston Red Sox coach Gary Allenson and Mets Double-A manager John Tamargo were the others.
Harrah was 32-44 as the Rangers' manager in 1992 after taking over for Valentine and was not rehired for 1993. After retiring as a player following the 1986 season, Harrah managed the Rangers' Triple-A team in Oklahoma City in 1987 and 1988, compiling a 136-145 record.
He was a Rangers coach from 1988-92 and spent the last two seasons as the Rangers' Double-A and Triple-A hitting instructor.
A career American Leaguer, Harrah debuted in the big leagues at age 20 in 1969 with the Washington Senators. He moved with the franchise to Texas for seven seasons, then played for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees before returning to Texas in 1985 and '86. ILLUSTRATION: HARRAH FACTS
Managing career: Had a 32-44 record with the Texas Rangers in
1992 after taking over for Bobby Valentine; was not rehired for
1993. Managed the Rangers' Triple-A team in Oklahoma City in 1987
and 1988, compiling a 136-145 record. Was a Rangers coach from
1988-92 and spent the last two seasons as the Rangers' Double- and
Triple-A hitting instructor.
Playing career: At 20 in 1969, debuted with the Washington
Senators. Moved with the franchise to Texas for seven seasons, then
played for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees before
returning to Texas in 1985 and '86.
by CNB