Blue Jays Appoint Minor-League Skipper

The Toronto Blue Jays announced the appointment of Joe Lonnett as manager of their Class-A farm club, the St. Catharines Blue Jays of the New York-Penn League.

Lonnett, 59, from Beaver Falls, Pa., was a roving catching instructor for the Blue Jays in 1985 and 1986. From 1971-1984, Lonnett has coached in the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland A’s and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lonnett replaces Cloyd Boyer, who left to join the Atlanta Braves.