Sports stats



Jim Horner to Manage Final Game Tonight

July 30, 2010 - California League (CalL1)
High Desert Mavericks News Release


After guiding the Mavericks for almost three full seasons, Jim Horner will manage his final game with the Mavericks tonight. Horner is leaving the Mavericks and the Seattle Mariners to become an assistant coach at Texas Tech University.

Since taking over the team in 2008, Horner has compiled a 194-182 record, setting the franchise mark for most wins by a manager. He led the Mavericks to both first and second-half South Divison titles in 2009, as well as a berth in the California League Finals. For his efforts, Horner was named 2009 California League Manager of the Year.

"I've learned a lot in the High Desert," Horner said. "This place presents a lot of unique challenges to coach in, and I feel it has helped me a bunch. I want to thank everyone from the fans to the front office staff who have really done a good job to make my time here very memorable and enjoyable."

Prior to joining the Mavericks, the 36-year-old Horner managed the Mariners' Midwest League affiliate in Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007. He began his coaching career in 2005 with the Everett Aquasox after spending nine years as a catcher in the Mariners system.

Horner will coach at the college level for the first time when he joins Dan Spencer's staff at Texas Tech. As a father of four young children, Horner cited his family as one of the determining factors for the move.

"It will be nice for my family to be together at one place year-round," Horner said.

Mavericks General Manager Tim Altier said that he'll be sad to see Horner leave but wishes him the best of luck with his new position. Altier added, "Jim has been a pleasure to work with, and the Mavericks family really owes him a debt of gratitude for all he's done for the team, the staff, and the fans over the last three seasons. He's a straightforward guy, an excellent coach, and a real fan-favorite." Altier commended Horner for always backing up his players and for producing a tremendous number of exciting victories, especially the late inning thrillers on fireworks nights when the crowds are the biggest.

Mariners Infield and Baserunning Coordinator Darrin Garner will manage the team for the remainder of the season. Garner has served in his current role since 2005, and he will return to managing for the first time since leading the Peoria Mariners in 2002. He previously managed in the California League in 1999 with Lancaster, when the JetHawks were affiliated with the Mariners.

Horner's finale will take place on another Midway Home Solutions Family Feast night when the Mavs meet the Rancho Quakes at 7:05 p.m. All hot dogs and 16 oz. Pepsi products will be on sale for just $1! For tickets, call 246-MAVS or order online at www.hdmavs.com.



California League Stories from July 30, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central