Tulsa Drillers Hire Razor Shines As Manager

The Tulsa Drillers hired a new manager Monday who happens to have one of the greatest names in sports.

The Drillers picked Razor Shines as the team's manager. He will become the 21st full-time manager in franchise history when the 2015 season begins on April 9, 2015, according to a news release from the Drillers.

Visit the Drillers' web site here.

Pitching coach Matt Herges, hitting coach Shawn Wooten and coach Leo Garcia will join Shines in running the team.

Shines managed the Dodgers' Double-A affiliate Chattanooga Lookouts last year. Chattanooga finished last in its division with a 26-44 record in the first half of the season, but improved to 35-33 in the second half, winning the division and advancing to the Southern League playoffs.

"The Dodgers and I are both very excited about coming to Tulsa," said Shines. "I know ONEOK Field is one of the best ballparks in baseball, not just the Texas League. We plan on putting an exciting team on the field for the fans of Tulsa, and I cannot wait to get started."

Last season marked Shines' second in the Dodgers system. He managed the Single-A Great Lakes Loons to a 67-72 record in the Midwest League in 2012.

His first managerial job was in 1995 with the Cincinnati Reds when he led the team's Class-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. From 2001 through 2006, Shines managed six seasons in the Chicago White Sox minor league system and spent the 2008 season with the Philadelphia Phillies as skipper of Clearwater in the Florida State League.

Overall, Shines has managed in 10 seasons, compiling a 700-695 regular season record. His teams have qualified for the playoffs in 6 of those 10 seasons, according to the Drillers.

His professional baseball career began in 1978. He played for 16 years, reaching the majors where he spent parts of four seasons with the Montreal Expos. Shines also was also a base coach for the Chicago White Sox (2007) and the New York Mets (2009-2010).

His son, Devin, played for Oklahoma State and was drafted by the Dodgers in the 38th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. He played for his dad with the Great Lakes Loons in 2012.

Shines has been recognized by several publications for having the best name in sports.

The Drillers will kick off the 2015 season at home Thursday, April 9th at 7:05 PM against the San Antonio Missions at ONEOK Field.