JETHAWKS MANAGER ON THE BALL.

Byline: GIDEON RUBIN Special to the Daily News

LANCASTER -- Newly named JetHawks manager Chad Epperson summed up his managerial philosophy in two words: ``blue collar.''

Epperson appeared at the JetHawks clubhouse for a holiday party at Clear Channel Stadium on Tuesday, just hours after the parent Boston Red Sox announced he would be managing their advanced Class-A affiliate in the Antelope Valley.

Epperson, a former journeyman minor league catcher, will manage for a fourth year in the Red Sox system.

He managed Boston's Class-A Wilmington, N.C., team last season, winning a first-half title in the Carolina League.

The Red Sox, who are in the first of a two-year player development contract with Lancaster, return to the California League for the first time since 1955, when they were San Jose affiliates.

``I have zero tolerance for no hustle,'' Epperson said. ``If you see a guy jogging to first base on a pop-up or rolling over on a ground ball, you're not going to see him the rest of the night and maybe not even the next night.''

Although admittedly old-school in his approach, Epperson has won high marks in the Red Sox system for his ability to relate to today's players.

Red Sox farm director Mike Hazen said.

``He's probably considered more of a player's manager because he allows the players to operate within the limits, but he has a pretty firm expectation of what he expects from them on the field. He's got a pretty unique style as far as how he operates, so it's an extremely positive environment for our players.''

Epperson's nine-year playing career included stints in the Red Sox, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles systems.

Reflecting an organizational philosophy, Epperson said his management style is development-oriented. ``I think with anything, whether it's baseball or being a mechanic or delivering newspapers, you really don't know what success is until you fail.''

Epperson said the hardest part of managing is relating to players who are inherently different, noting that some respond to harsh criticism differently from others.

``That's the challenging part, but that's the fun part too. It's very, very important to relate. You've got to make sure these players know you have their best interests at heart, and I make that clear right away, that I'm going to do everything I can to make you a better person and a better baseball player.''