By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – There are a few familiar faces roaming around Coveleski Stadium these days.
Former South Bend Mayor and Indiana Governor Joe Kernan is the owner of the South Bend Silverhawks minor league baseball team.
On Thursday, Kernan announced the return of former South Bend White Sox General Manager John Baxter.
Baxter was the original general manager of the Class A minor league team when it took the field in 1988. He was the general manager and then president of the franchise from 1987 until 1997.
Baxter was named the Sports News Minor League Baseball Class A Executive of the Year in 1990. He helped the then South Bend White Sox win the Freitis Award for the outstanding franchise in 1991.
Baxter returns to the Silverhawks after working for the Gary Southshore Railcats of the Northern League as a consultant and assistant general manager.
Kernan announced Baxter as his new Vice President of Baseball Operations.
"I could not be happier to welcome John back to the Cove," Kernan said at a press conference held in the Upper Deck at Coveleski Stadium. "He will do a terrific job."
"I love Coveleski Stadium," Baxter said. "I've missed this ballpark. When Joe asked me, I jumped at the chance. I feel like I'm coming back home again."
Baxter and Kernan both promised that fans would see improvements when they come to the ballpark in 2007.
The Silverhawks open their 20th season in South Bend on April 5, 2007.