IL1 Toledo Mud Hens

Mud Hens 2016 Field Staff Announced

Published on December 2, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release


TOLEDO, OH - The Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens announced today the coaching staff for first-year manager Lloyd McClendon, adding Jeff Pico as pitching coach and returning Leon "Bull" Durham as hitting coach.

Pico was the Cincinnati Reds pitching coach for the past two seasons. He spent 11 seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks system, his last two as Minor League field coordinator. The 49-year-old played three seasons in the Major Leagues for the Chicago Cubs (1988-90). He became the first Cubs pitcher in 79-years to throw a shutout in his Major League debut. This is his first season in the Tigers organization.

Durham returns for his 16th season with the Mud Hens and his 20th season in coaching. Selected by St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1976 draft, the 58-year-old played 19 seasons of professional baseball. In 10 seasons at the Major League level, Durham batted .277 with 147 home runs and 530 RBI as a member of the Cardinals, Cubs and Reds.

McClendon's experience includes eight years as a player and seven years as a manager in Major League Baseball. The 56-year-old most recently managed the Seattle Mariners for the past two seasons. From 2001 to 2005 McClendon managed the Pittsburgh Pirates. He spent eight seasons with the Detroit Tigers from 2006 to 2013, mostly as the team's hitting coach.

Athletic Trainer Chris McDonald is back for a third season with Mud Hens and 16th season with the Detroit Tigers organization. Fred Murphy returns as the Hens strength and conditioning coach.

Former Mud Hens and Minor League home run king, Mike Hessman, who recently announced his retirement from baseball, will remain in the Tigers organization as the hitting coach for Connecticut, its Class-A affiliate.

The 2016 home opener is Thursday, April 7 at 4 p.m. against Louisville. Tickets are on sale now at www.mudhens.com or by calling 419-725-HENS.

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