BRIAN RICHESSON Kubiak was no clich & eacute; as skipper

NILES -- It was 1999, and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers had just suffered a humiliating defeat.
Safe to say, we reporters weren't exactly certain how manager Ted Kubiak would react in the post-game interview.
One of Kubiak's best qualities as a manager was his honesty in a time when athletes and coaches are sometimes afraid to say what they truly think.
Often, you get the company line, a clich & eacute; or a stream of political correctness.
But not with Kubiak. You always knew where you stood, and so did his players.
(On more than one occasion, the manager held closed-door meetings, which were marked by raised voices and obscenities, following poor performances.)
Proceeding with caution
So it was on this summer day at Eastwood Field (then Cafaro Field) that reporters took a little more time than usual on their path to the manager's office.
When we got to the door, we paused with caution. Kubiak saw us, and just as we were ready for him to wave us away, he said, "Come on in, guys. I'm not going to bite."
Of course not. We never had any doubt.
Kubiak managed the Scrappers to division championships in their first two years (1999 and 2000) and then served in the same role in 2003.
The former utility infielder with the World Series champion Oakland Athletics (1972-74) has spent this season as a roving instructor for the Cleveland Indians' farm system, working with defensive players.
Kubiak is one of four Scrappers managers since the team's berth in 1999. The others are Dave Turgeon (2001), Chris Bando (2002) and Mike Sarbaugh (2004).
Rewind
Turgeon may have been the most laid-back of the Scrappers managers -- on and off the field. In his one year at the helm, Mahoning Valley tumbled into last place in the then-Pinckney-Stedler Division with a 26-49 record.
His tenure with the Indians organization was short-lived (he managed Rookie League Burlington the previous year), as he took a job at Boston College following the season.
Bando was and continues to be one of the most easygoing and respectable coaches in the Indians organization.
The former big league catcher, who serves as a coach with the Scrappers this season, is also known for his tutelage with the Indians' young talent, including the development of catcher Victor Martinez.
Present day
Sarbaugh is wrapping up his first season as a professional manager. He's been a long-time coach in the Indians organization, also serving at Double-A Akron and Class A clubs Kinston and Columbus.
That wealth of experience is revealed in his handling of the club -- through his decisions during a game and the backing of his players.
When it comes to arguments with umpires, Sarbaugh is the most animated of the three previous managers. He flails his arms and points his fingers, giving the fans a good show.
He and his staff also have the Scrappers in playoff contention, as the team began its nine-game road trip Friday night in Jamestown, N.Y.
richesson@vindy.com