Norton returning as Z's manager in '11

Greg Norton will return as manager of the New Orleans Zephyrs in 2011, and will be attending the "Evening With the Zephyrs" cocktail reception, sponsored by Budweiser, being held Thursday, January 20 at the National World War II Museum's Stage Door Canteen from 7-9 p.m.

Norton joins former Zephyrs general manager Jay Miller on the guest list. Miller will be on hand to accept his induction into the New Orleans Professional Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2011. More guests will be announced shortly.

Norton, 38, began his coaching career in 2010 as the Zephyrs' hitting coach, before being promoted to interim manager on June 23 when the Florida Marlins tabbed Edwin Rodriguez to skipper the big league club. The interim tag was removed from Norton's title on July 16, and he led the Zephyrs to a 66-77 finish in 2010. The Z's went 33-40 with Norton at the helm.

A career .249 hitter in 13 Major League seasons, Norton broke into the majors as a second round draft pick out of the University of Oklahoma by the Chicago White Sox in 1993, and also spent time with Colorado, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Seattle and Atlanta. His 13 career pinch-hit home runs is tied for 11th on Major League Baseball's all-time list, and he ranked second among all active players in career pinch hits (96) and homers (13) at the time of his retirement after the 2009 season.

The rest of the Zephyrs' 2011 coaching staff will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets to "Evening With the Zephyrs" are $30 per person, or $100 for a group of four. The ticket price includes food and drink for all guests, and The Victory Three will be on hand to provide musical entertainment. The museum will also be providing authentic World War II baseball artifacts for display.

For more information or for tickets, contact the Zephyrs at (504) 734-5155.