Former Astros right-hander Brandon Backe has agreed to join the staff at LoneStar Baseball Academy in Baytown, Texas, and will assume the responsibility of pitching instructor while owner Chris Sampson and Washington Nationals right-hander Garrett Mock are away during the 2011 regular season.
Sampson made the official announcement via a phone interview Sunday.
The 32-year-old Backe, who is serving as an assistant coach to Gary Key at Galveston College, posted a 31-29 record with a 5.23 ERA over 145 games (79 starts) in eight major league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays (2002-03) and Houston Astros (2004-09).
He became an instant fan favorite in Houston for his clutch performances during the Astros' memorable 2004-05 postseason runs.
Backe, a Galveston native and Galveston Ball High School product, tossed a one-hitter over eight shutout innings in Game 5 of the 2004 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals that resulted in a Jeff Kent walk-off three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.
Also, he allowed just five hits with seven strikeouts over seven scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox in Game 4 of the 2005 World Series.
Although Backe has undergone two shoulder surgeries over the last 18 months, he's working hard toward a potential major league comeback, despite not having thrown a pitch since June 18, 2009 against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
"We're excited about Brandon Backe joining the LoneStar Baseball Academy," Sampson said. "He's a very close friend of mine and will fill in for me as a pitching instructor while I'm away this baseball season. I recommend scheduling lessons with him."
Backe is currently available for pitching lessons every Tuesday and Thursday, and can be booked by visiting www.lonestarbat.com or contacting LoneStar Baseball Academy at 713-503-1229.
For the latest Astros news, click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page. Also, be sure to follow Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff on Facebook and Twitter, or email sgoff80@yahoo.com.
Comments