Former MLB Managers Form Punk Band

Bobby Cox, who recently retired as manager of the Atlanta Braves, has revealed that he has formed a punk band with fellow former Major League Baseball managers Joe Torre, Lou Piniella and Cito Gaston. The band, called Cox & Balls, features Cox on vocals, Torre on guitar, Piniella on drums and Gaston on bass. "This has been a dream of mine for years," says Cox. "It all dates back to seeing the Ramones play CBGB back in '77 when I was a first base coach on the Yankees."

With all four managers leaving baseball this year, Cox jumped on the opportunity to finally pursue his dream. "It's not every day that you get a chance to play with musicians like these," explains Cox in a statement. "Torre is a freak on the axe; Piniella's an awesome stickman; and Gaston handles the low end like a champ. Mark my words: Cox & Balls are gonna be a force to be reckoned with on the punk scene."

The group recently hit an Atlanta studio to begin recording its debut album, Kickin' Dirt. "We already have three songs in the can," says Torre. "We're hoping to drop the disc in the spring. We're looking at a tune called 'Dump the Ump' as a possible first single." Cox & Balls reportedly are in talks with Epitaph Records for a three-album deal. In the meantime, the band has already signed on to play a series of gigs on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour. "I can't wait until fans see Cox & Balls perform live," exclaims Piniella. "We're gonna blow up the stage."