Tigers hire Lloyd McClendon to manage Triple-A Mud Hens
The Detroit Tigers have hired former major league manager Lloyd McClendon to manage their Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens.
McClendon, who spent the past two seasons as skipper of the Mariners, was dismissed by Seattle on Oct. 9. He was previously a coach with the Tigers under former manager Jim Leyland from 2006-13.
McClendon said he's excited about re-joining the Tigers organization and looking forward to the next chapter of his life.
"I think it would have been hard to stay at home and collect a paycheck," McClendon said after being introduced at Fifth Third Field. "I probably would have been miserable. Having the opportunity to put on the uniform again, it's incredible."
The 56-year-old has seven years of big league managerial experience, 11 as a coach and eight as a player.
"I think it's a tremendous opportunity," McClendon said. "You've been in the game a long time and you think you can move from one organization the next and somebody will pick you right up. Well, it doesn't always work that way.
"It's nice to be wanted. It's nice to be able to come back home so-to-speak, to an organization that I'm obviously familiar with and the people and I trust them so I'm excited to work in this organization again and hopefully work with some talent here that can help our major league club."
McClendon said he had other baseball opportunities, but Mud Hens managerial job was "a perfect fit in a lot of different ways."
Lloyd McClendon named Mud Hens Manager for 2016. #GoMudHens pic.twitter.com/nQKYrb2tpi
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) November 23, 2015
