Rodgers Due Back Sunday With Vigilantes

Vigilante Manager Buck Rodgers, who had taken a leave of absence after his mother was killed and his father critically injured in an Ohio traffic accident June 6, will return to the team Sunday.

Rodgers will rejoin the team when it returns to Saddleback College after its four-game trip in Salinas. The Vigilantes and Peppers will play four more games here, starting Sunday.

Team spokesman David Ayers said Rodgers told the team his father has recovered enough for him to return.

Interim Manager Brad Lesley, who has an 11-17 record, said he was eager for Rodgers to return.

“I can’t wait to turn the reins back over to the skipper,” said Lesley, who will resume his duties as pitching coach. “I hope I’m giving him a ballclub that is coming together in time to make a run.”

Rodgers is in his first season with the Vigilantes and the Western Baseball League. He previously managed the Angels, Brewers and Expos in the major leagues.