John Shoemaker

Pro baseball player and minor-league manager

What is John Shoemaker known for?

John Shoemaker, born on August 18, 1956, in Chillicothe, Ohio, is a remarkable figure in the world of baseball. An alumnus of Chillicothe High School, John made a notable impact on professional baseball, not only as a player but also as a coach and manager.

In his early career, he was drafted in the 35th round of the 1977 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he also caught the attention of the Chicago Bulls who drafted him in the 6th round of the 1978 NBA draft. Shoemaker played in the Dodgers minor league system from 1977 to 1980, primarily as a second baseman. His journey took him up to AAA before he hung up his cleats and transitioned into a coaching role after the 1981 season. Since then, he has been a loyal part of the Dodgers organization.

In recognition of his exceptional dedication and talent, the Dodgers named him "Captain of Player Development" in 2015. Following this acknowledgment, Shoemaker was also honored with the prestigious Mike Coolbaugh Award at the end of the 2015 season. The award is presented by Minor League Baseball to an individual "who has shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field." His skill and commitment have indeed left a lasting impact on many young players.

Beyond this, Shoemaker was inducted into the Southern League Hall of Fame in 2016, another testament to his significant contributions to the sport.

In terms of his coaching and managerial record, Shoemaker has led a number of teams, including the Vero Beach Dodgers, San Antonio Missions, Gulf Coast Dodgers, and more. He has experienced significant success, like winning the South Atlantic League Championship with the Savannah Sand Gnats in 1996 and winning the League Championship with the Jacksonville Suns in 2005. He was also named the Southern League Manager of the Year in 2001. As of now, he continues to serve as the manager of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

For more insights into Shoemaker's lifelong journey in baseball, one could visit articles by LA Daily News and the LA Times.