Burlington, N.C. -- The Sock Puppets announced that Anthony Essien will return as their manager for the 2025 season.
Essien has been on the Burlington staff each of the first four seasons of the Sock Puppets, serving as pitching coach in 2021 and 2022 before assuming managerial duties since the end of the 2022 season.
“I am really excited to be back for the fifth season of the Sock Puppets,” Essien said. “What the front office staff has done with this brand is unparalleled, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for this year.”
The Sock Puppets under Essien have made the playoffs each of the last three seasons, finishing as league runner-up in 2022 and 2023. Over those three seasons at the helm of Burlington, Essien has accumulated 64 total wins; tying him for fifth all-time among managers in Appalachian League history.
“To say we are lucky to have Ant is an understatement,” Burlington President and General Manager Anderson Rathbun said. “The passion he has for both developing these players on and off the field as well as the commitment he has to represent our community and brand at the highest possible level is truly unmatched.”
Sockville is set to kickoff the 2025 season June 5 for their Opening Night against the Bluefield Ridge Runners. The full coaching staff will be released within the coming months.
