Homer Bush had planned on returning to New York this summer to be part of the 25th-anniversary celebration of the 1998 New York Yankees World Series Title.

Bush played for the Yankees in ’98, appearing in 45 games, batting .380 (27-of-71) with six stolen bases.

As it turns out, Bush – who served as manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in 2022 – will spend the entire summer in The Big Apple.

Thursday, Bush was named as the new manager of the Staten Island FerryHawks.

The FerryHawks are a member of the Atlantic League, which consists of 10 teams located in six different states. The league requires franchises to provide ballparks that seat at least 4,500 fans, and the facilities must be maintained at or above Triple-A standards.

The Atlantic League, considered the most successful and highest level of baseball among all Independent Leagues, is an official MLB Partner League. It is a full-season league, with games played from late April until mid-September.

“Returning to the Scrappers was always an option, I left that door open because I absolutely loved my time in the Mahoning Valley,” Bush said. “However, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I didn’t want to pass up. There are so many factors that attracted me to Staten Island.

“To be able to build a successful organization in New York City is what every competitive athlete and person strives to do. New York City has brought me so many great memories and this job, in the twenty-fifth anniversary of the ’98 World Series team, is a special opportunity to manage at a very high level of baseball.”

Bush noted that a vast majority of players who are picked up by Major League franchises out of the Atlantic League advance straight to the AA or AAA level.

“There is definitely some serious talent all throughout the league,” Bush said.

Bush is also excited about the opportunity to have a hands-on approach regarding the makeup of his team. As an Independent League franchise, the FerryHawks – and Bush in particular – are responsible for seeking talent and building a roster.

“It’s going to be a new experience, but one I really look forward to,” Bush said. “I am excited about the whole aspect of seeking out talent, dealing with the contracts, things like that.

“The thing is, you want roster turnover in this league. You want to see your guys signed and moving up the ladder. So, in addition to player development, there is always that aspect of seeking further talent.”

While excited about the opportunity to return to New York, Bush acknowledged that he “will deeply miss” the Mahoning Valley and says he will forever be grateful for his opportunity with the Scrappers.

“The Scrappers were the perfect organization to work for,” Bush said. “Anything I wanted, (Scrappers General Manager) Jordan (Taylor) and his staff went out of their way to provide. They have great facilities and at a perfect location. Everything about the organization is first-class all the way.”

Bush said he will also miss the people and the food of the Mahoning Valley.

“I absolutely loved my interaction with the fans and with the people in general,” Bush said. “I didn’t have a single negative experience. And I have to say, I’ve traveled everywhere and the Mahoning Valley has some of the best restaurants and best foods in the world.”

Bush was selected by the San Diego Padres in the seventh round of the 1991 draft. He spent seven years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Yankees in 1998. He was then traded to Toronto at the end of the ’98 campaign. He batted .320 with 32 stolen bases with the Blue Jays in ’99

Bush stayed with the Blue Jays until 2002. He spent part of that season in Florida, then returned to the Yankees for a brief stint in 2004 before a lingering hip injury forced him out of the game.

“I’ve experienced all of the highs and lows of professional baseball,” Bush said. “I spent a lot of time working my way up, so I know exactly what these guys I am going to manage are going through.”

Meanwhile, the Scrappers are expected to name their new manager within the next several weeks. Taylor noted that the MLB Draft League and Prep Baseball Report are responsible for assigning managers throughout the league.

Taylor said that Bush will be sorely missed.

“In my time here, we’ve been extremely fortunate to have some great managers to work with, and Homer is as good as they get,” Taylor said. “He was fantastic for our organization. Extremely engaged in the community, as were his players.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Homer. And it’s great for his players to have such a tremendous role model, and a guy who has excelled at the highest level.”

The FerryHawks begin their season on April 28.

The Scrappers open their season on June 1 at home against West Virginia.

sports@vindy.com