After a middling 1983 season where the Islanders go 72-71, Hawaii made some changes before swinging back into the 1984 season.
Tom Trebelhorn was out as manager, taking the year off after two seasons managing minor league affiliates of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Stepping into his place was Tommy Sandt, manager of the organization’s Double-A affiliate in Lynn the season before, and in Buffalo before that.
Sandt, who had played 157 games for Triple-A Portland from 1979 to 1981 when they were a Pirate affiliate, had made the jump to a managerial career in 1982. After a year in Buffalo, Sandt took over as Pittsburgh moved their Double-A affiliation up north to Lynn and even played in a handful of games that year, while still managing the club.
By 1984, he was ready for a Triple-A job, and he was inheriting an Islanders pitching staff with some serious talent. On the mound, Hawaii boasted a blend of exciting young prospects and more established veterans looking to get (or get back) to the major leagues.
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