Doug Mientkiewicz named new Hens manager
Doug Mientkiewicz has been hired as the 2018 manager of the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens. The 43-year-old was born in Toledo and raised in Florida. He most recently served in 2017 as manager of the Fort Myers Miracle, the Minnesota Twins' Class-A Advanced affiliate. He has led his
Doug Mientkiewicz has been hired as the 2018 manager of the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens. The 43-year-old was born in Toledo and raised in Florida. He most recently served in 2017 as manager of the Fort Myers Miracle, the Minnesota Twins' Class-A Advanced affiliate. He has led his teams to the postseason in four of the last five seasons, 2013, 2014 and 2017 with Fort Myers and in 2015 to the Southern League Championship with Class-AA Chattanooga.
Mientkiewicz played at Florida State University before his 12-year MLB playing career between 1998 and 2009 (Minnesota, 1998-2004, Boston, 2004, NY Mets, 2005, Kansas City, 2006, NY Yankees, 2007, Pittsburgh, 2008, LA Dodgers, 2009). He was primarily a first baseman in the majors, winning the 2001 AL Gold Glove Award. Mientkiewicz finished his Major League career as a .271 hitter with 66 home runs and 405 RBI.
Mientkiewicz is one of only five American players to win both a World Series Championship and an Olympic gold medal -- in 2004, with the Red Sox when the team swept the Cardinals, breaking the 86-year curse of the Bambino, and in 2000 with Team USA in Sydney.
"We're very excited to add Doug Mientkiewicz to the Tigers organization as the new manager at Triple A Toledo," said Dave Littlefield, Detroit Tigers Vice President of Player Development. "After a 12-year Major League playing career, Mientkiewicz has transitioned into a successful manager at the Minor League level, leading his teams to the postseason in four of the last five seasons. We're confident that Doug will bring his strong player development background and winning mentality with him to Toledo."
Mientkiewicz becomes the seventh person to manage the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field and the 55th in Toledo baseball history.
"It's great to have Doug take over as manager with his vast playing and coaching experience," says Erik Ibsen, Toledo Mud Hens Executive Vice President and General Manager. "Plus, with his Toledo roots, he has an instant connection with our community and fans."
Mientkiewicz replaces Mike Rojas, who managed the Mud Hens to a 70-71 record in 2017.
The Mud Hens open the 2018 season at Louisville on Friday, April 6, with Opening Day at Fifth Third Field on Thursday, April 12 against Pawtucket.
Mud Hens earn 3-0 win after weather stops play at Fifth Third Field
Toledo, OH-The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Indianapolis Indians 3-0 on Wednesday, May 21, at Fifth Third Field. Left-hander Nick Margevicius started on the mound for Toledo and would retire the side to kick off the game. Jace Jung worked a walk in the bottom of the first after a
Mud Hens overcome late RailRiders rally in series finale
SCRANTON, PA - The Toledo Mud Hens and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders had an offense driven series finale Sunday, ending in a 10-8 victory for the Mud Hens. Toledo got ahead early, but was forced to overcome a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre resurgence late. Getting the nod for the RailRiders in the series finale
Hernandez shines from the mound in 7-2 loss
SCRANTON, PA - Looking to reach .500 for the first time this season, the (21-22) Toledo Mud Hens fell to the (20-21) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders 7-2. Toledo would take an early lead and hold onto it thanks to some impressive pitching, but fell late as the RailRiders’ bats warmed up. Following
Toledo takes game four against Scranton behind strong relief and timely hitting
Scranton, PA-The Toledo Mud Hens secured a 6-3 victory over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Friday, May 16, under the lights at PNC Field. First pitch was at 6:35 p.m. Toledo came out aggressive at the plate, with Jake Rogers swinging at the first pitch and singling up the middle. However,
Nine Mud Hens record hits in 20-7 offensive explosion
Scranton, PA-The Toledo Mud Hens came out swinging on Thursday, May 15, as they faced off against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at PNC Field. Toledo wasted no time getting on the board. Carlos Mendoza launched a solo homer in the top of the first to open the scoring. After back-to-back walks
Navigato and Lee go deep, but Mud Hens drop tight one to RailRiders
Scranton, PA-The Toledo Mud Hens dropped a hard fought matchup to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, falling 5-4 on Wednesday, May 14 at PNC Field. After a 90 minute rain delay, the RailRiders wasted no time getting on the board. Leadoff hitter Jesus Rodriguez opened the bottom of the first with a
Toledo dominates in 7-0 Tuesday win at Scranton
Scranton, PA – The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Tuesday night at PNC Field with a dominant 7-0 final. Toledo sent lefty Lael Lockhart to the mound for Game 1. Lockhart entered the game with an 0-3 record and a 5.17 ERA. The RailRiders countered with right-hander
Defensive battle leads to Sunday loss to Iowa
Toledo, OH – The Toledo Mud Hens fell to the Iowa Cubs in a defensive battle on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Field, splitting the six-game series 3-3 to close out the homestand. The final score was 3-1 in favor of Iowa. Starting on the mound for the Mud Hens
Toledo almost pulls off rally, but Iowa fights back late
TOLEDO, OH - The Toledo Mud Hens and the Iowa Cubs had a back and forth battle Saturday night, ending in a 7-6 extra-innings loss for Toledo. The Hens benefitted from some exquisite pitching and hot bats early, but fell behind the Cubs as things cooled off. Toledo would fight
Eighth inning rally gives Hens the Friday night win
Toledo, OH – The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Iowa Cubs on Friday night at Fifth Third Field with a final score of 7–3. The Hens sent left-handed pitcher Nick Margevicius (0–0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound to start the game, while the Cubs countered with right-hander Connor Noland (3–1,
Hens' eight-game home win streak falls to the I-Cubs
TOLEDO, OH - After back-to-back walk-off wins, the Toledo Mud Hens hit a mid-series lull against the Iowa Cubs Thursday night. With struggles offensively throughout the Toledo lineup and the hot bats of the I-Cubs, the Hens fell 12-0. With Keider Montero joining the Detroit Tigers in Colorado for game
Jones secures second-straight walk off against Cubs
TOLEDO, OH - The Toledo Mud Hens earned their second-straight walk off with a 2-1 victory against the Iowa Cubs Wednesday afternoon. Toledo struggled to bring in runners throughout the game, but their excellent pitching kept them in it. On his second rehab game as the designated hitter, Matt Vierling
Hens walk it off in dramatic fashion in Tuesday win to Iowa
Toledo, OH – The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Iowa Cubs in Game 1 of the homestand on May 6 in 10 innings, securing a 5-4 walk-off victory. The Hens sent right-handed pitcher Wilkel Hernandez (1-0, 2.70 ERA) to the mound, while the Cubs countered with fellow righty Peter Solomon
Mud Hens power past Red Sox to win series finale
Worcester, MA-The Toledo Mud Hens wrapped up their six-game series against the Worcester Red Sox on Sunday, May 4, at Polar Park with a hard-fought 7-3 win. Toledo got the offense rolling in the top of the third when catcher Brian Serven launched a solo shot over the left field
Four home runs and strong relief power Hens over WooSox
TOLEDO, OH – The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Worcester Red Sox 7-2 on Saturday afternoon at Polar Park. John Brebbia took the mound on Major League Rehab Assignment for the Mud Hens, while Brian Van Belle slung the pill for the WooSox. Toledo threatened right away, as a leadoff
Baddoo, Navigato club home runs in loss to WooSox
Toledo, OH – The Toledo Mud Hens fell to the Worcester Red Sox 5-2 on Friday night at Polar Park. Keider Montero took the mound for the Mud Hens, while Cooper Criswell toed the rubber for the WooSox. After a scoreless first inning, Worcester found the score column first in
Jones homers in Toledo's first loss in eight games
WORCESTER, MA - Looking to get their ninth-straight win, the Toledo Mud Hens fell short to the Worcester WooSox 7-4. Toledo fell behind early, but always stayed within reach of Worcester’s lead. Standing in the way of the Mud Hens’ quest for nine-straight was Worcester’s Shane Drohan. Drohan has been
Back-to-back bombs and big defense fuels eighth straight victory for Toledo
Worcester, MA-The Toledo Mud Hens took on the Worcester Red Sox in game two of their six game set at Polar Park on Wednesday, April 30. The Hens defense made their presence known early, turning a clutch 9-3 double play in the bottom of the second to cut down a
Serven's four hit night and strong pitching gives Toledo the edge over Worcester
Worcester, MA-The Toledo Mud Hens opened their series against the Worcester Red Sox on Tuesday, April 29, at Polar Park, securing a 4-2 win behind timely hitting and solid pitching. First pitch was at 6:05 p.m. Brewer Hicklen led off the game for Toledo and worked a four-pitch walk. He