Wichita State hires ex-big league skipper Eric Wedge

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State has hired longtime major league manager Eric Wedge as its baseball coach, giving him a five-year contract and the task of turning around the Shockers' once-proud program.

Wedge was a senior catcher on the team that won the 1989 national championship. He went on to play parts of four seasons with the Red Sox and Rockies before becoming a coach.

He managed the Indians from 2003 to 2009, and guided them to 96 wins and the AL Central title in 2007, winning the AL's manager of the year award. He also managed the Mariners from 2011 to 2013.

The 51-year-old Wedge was hired after meeting with Wichita State athletic director Darron Boatright late Tuesday. He replaced Todd Butler, who was fired after going 169-180-1 in six seasons.