The Atlantic City Gamblers have announced John "Nine Fingers" Graves has been promoted to the role of third base coach of the Atlantic City Gamblers.
Graves, 42, was a professional infielder who played in the minor leagues from 2022 through 2028, which included play at the Rookie Class, Class-Short Season A, and Class-A levels. Graves had a good 2027 season at the Class-A level, hitting .321/.396/.457 with 10 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 triples, 2 home runs, 15 RBIs, and a 0.3 WAR in 93 plate appearances. Graves played second base and shortstop professionally, recording average metrics. He retired from professional baseball in 2030 after losing his finger in a fireworks-related incident, and spent 12 years as an entrepreneur prior to returning to his baseball roots.
Graves began his managerial career with the Mexico City Aztecs, managing three seasons with the Rookie Class Castroville Fighting Artichokes (Mexico City) from 2042 through 2044 and finished with a 106-98 (.520) record; 2nd place, 5th place, and 3rd place finishes in their division; and no playoff appearances. Prior to the 2045 season, the Atlantic City Gamblers hired Graves as manager of Class-A Long Island Legion. Graves and Long Island finished the 2045 season 69-71 (.493) with a 3rd place finish in their division; and the 2046 season 72-68 (.514) with a 2nd place finish in their division.
Although Graves has failed to manage a team that qualified for the playoffs at any level, the Gamblers organization is optimistic about his continued development in the dugout and believe in his ability to positively influence the Gamblers roster into the future.
