Anchorage Bucs searching for 2011 skipper

TJ Bruce's ABL career may end after one season.

Photo courtesy of AnchorageBucs.com

The Anchorage Bucs have posted a job listing on their website for a new head coach for the 2011 season.

This would appear to signal that 2010 manager TJ Bruce will not be returning to the ABL -- or at least not as field manager with the Bucs -- for the 2011 season. In Bruce's first season in the league, he led the younger Anchorage squad to a 17-27 league finish (.386, 23-33-1 overall). The team ranked fifth in batting average (.238) and fourth in ERA (3.49).

Despite the team's struggles this year, Bruce has moved up the ladder in the coaching world, moving from the volunteer assistant position at Long Beach State to a full-on assistant coaching job at UCLA. According to the UCLA press release, "Bruce will serve as the infield coach, assist recruiting efforts and work with the hitters with assistant coach Rick Vanderhook."

The Bucs have now gone back to the drawing board, looking for an experienced coach to lead the team on their 2011 campaign and assist in the recruiting process. The job requires previous experience coaching at the collegiate or professional level. Coaches will be furnished with a vehicle and apartment during their stay in Anchorage, as well as plane fare to and from the state. The full job ad is available on the Anchorage Bucs website.