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That's right: Backman's back

Paul Dehner Jr.

After coaching in the third base box all season, Peanuts manager Wally Backman has decided to stay in the dugout.

This comes after serving his three game suspension watching assistant Larry Olenberger perform the base duties.

“I can run the game better in the dugout,” he said. “I can get ready when we want to pinch-run or pinch-hit. I am more valuable on the bench, especially in close games.”

MORE MOVES

Considering how well the addition of Ja Jones and Drew Shetrone have been for the Peanuts bullpen, Backman decided to keep it coming before Wednesday’s game when he activated reliever Chris Webb.

Webb played in the Frontier League before being released by the Florence (Ky.) Freedom. He is a knuckleballer that Backman believes can be effective also throwing straight pitches.

“(Florence) made him throw just knuckleballs,” he said. “His fastball is 87-88 mph. And he has a nasty knuckle. He should be effective.”

CAMPING OUT

Backman will be holding a baseball camp for youth in the area on June 29 and 30 at the Paul Eames Complex.

The cost is $60 per camper and will go from 9-12 a.m. both days.

It is open for boys and girls ages 8 and up. Each camper will receive a t-shirt and signed balls and bats will be drawn for each day.

The camp will teach all the fundamentals of baseball with the Peanuts coaching staff helping out.

Registration will be held Friday morning from 8:30 to 9 a.m.Call (503) 381-2557 with questions.

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