LEESBURG, FL – With the previous three managers already in place for the inaugural FWBL season, the Lake County Black Bears decided to round out the group with a bang by selecting 1977 National League MVP George Foster.
Foster, from Tusacaloosa, Alabama is a two time World Series Champion and former teammate of FWBL Commissioner Ken Griffey. Foster played nearly 2000 MLB games over a span of 17 seasons for the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox.
“Anytime you can hire someone like George Foster, you don’t think twice,” said League President Mickey Filippucci. “From his playing background, to his ability to teach young athletes, to his name recognition, he will make a terrific addition to our Lake County franchise.”
A 3rd round pick in 1969 by the San Francisco Giants, Foster won the 1977 National League MVP by belting 52 homeruns, 149 RBI’s, and hitting .320. A true power hitter, he hit 18 or more homeruns in twelve consecutive MLB seasons and finished his career with 348 long balls.
Besides his MVP award and World Series rings, Foster was a 5 time All-Star and MVP of the All-Star Game in 1976 and a Silver Slugger Award winner in 1981. Foster played alongside Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Perez, and Tom Seaver.
Since his retirement from the game in 1986, Foster has instructed baseball camps and clinics for children ages 7-18, as well as working with minor league athletes. Currently he speaks to corporate groups and attends fantasy camps, while speaking to children across the country about hard work and achieving their dreams.
