By Jon Weisman
Rookie League Ogden manager John Shoemaker, nearing the completion of his fourth decade with the Dodgers, has been named “Captain” of player development.
“Shoe is the epitome of what we, as the Dodgers, search for in our staff members,” director of player development Gabe Kapler said. “He deserves this honor based on his continual demonstration of superior teammate behavior over the course of his 39 years with our organization. He brings infectious positivity and professionalism on a daily basis. I can say with certainty that this appointment will be disputed by no soul who regularly comes into contact with Shoe.”
From tonight’s press release:
Drafted by the Dodgers in the 35th round of the 1977 draft, Shoemaker has been with the club ever since, as a player, manager, coach and coordinator. After his four-year playing career with the club (1977-1980), he began his coaching career in 1981 as the hitting coach for Single-A Vero Beach for six seasons (1981-1986). In 1987, he began his managerial career with Vero Beach (1987-1988) and his 1988 club went 75-62, winning a first-half championship. Shoemaker then moved up to manage Double-A San Antonio for three seasons (1989-91), leading the 1990 club to a 78-56 record, a second-half division title and a Texas League final appearance. He returned to manage Vero Beach for three seasons (1997-98, 2000), and his 1997 team reached the Florida State League finals.
Shoemaker has also managed Rookie-level St. Lucie (1992), Great Falls (1995) and Single-A Yakima (1993). He returned to Vero Beach in 1994 as the hitting coach, a position he also held for San Antonio in 1999. In 2002, he was the organization’s defensive instructor.
The 58-year-old Chillicothe, Ohio, native has compiled a 1,320-1,295 (.505) managerial record in 21 seasons and has won championships with Double-A Jacksonville (Southern League) in 2001 (co-champions) and 2005 and also with Single-A Savannah (South Atlantic League) in 1996.
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