Mauer named Fort Myers' manager
The 30-year old Mauer, the older brother of 2009 American League batting champ and Twins catcher Joe Mauer, becomes the 10th manager in the Miracle's 18-year history. He replaces Jeff Smith, who was promoted to Double-A New Britain.
"I am very excited for this great opportunity," said Mauer. "I am coming over to a great league with an unbelievable facility and a very good staff to work with."
Mauer joins Smith as the only two individuals to have played and managed the Miracle -- Mauer played in 128 career games with Fort Myers in 2003 and 2005.
"We have been very fortunate to have Jeff and his family with us the last two years," said Miracle General Manager Steve Gliner. "What he has done on the field is unquestioned, but he has also been extremely helpful enhancing the Miracle in Southwest Florida. We wish him the best and are excited to welcome Jake back to the Miracle family."
Mauer, a St. Paul, Minn. native, spent the last two seasons guiding the Gulf Coast League Twins. In 2009, after leading the Twins to a first place finish in the GCL South Division (34-21), he was named GCL Manager of the Year.
The former Minor League infielder compiled a two-year mark of 69-42 at the helm of the GCL Twins.
Mauer was selected by Minnesota in the 23rd round (677th overall) of the 2001 Draft. His younger brother, Joe, was selected No. 1 overall in the same Draft. The two brothers played together in Fort Myers during the 2003 season.
"It really doesn't seem that long ago that I played with the Miracle," said Mauer. "I remember the great fans and atmosphere and look forward to being back in a Miracle uniform."
In five seasons in the Twins' farm system, Mauer compiled a .256 batting average with 82 RBIs. An elbow injury forced him to retire following the 2005 season. He accepted a job as a Minor League coach with the Twins, and in 2008, he was named manager of the GCL Twins.
Mauer was a standout at NCAA Division III University of St. Thomas. As senior in 2001, he set the college's season record for hits with 83, and is the school's career leader in hits (243), runs (181) and games played (187). He was inducted into the St. Thomas Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
Mauer makes his off-season home in St. Paul with wife Rachel and daughter Lauren Joann.
Pitching coach Steve Mintz and hitting coach Jim Dwyer join trainer Larry Bennese for the Fort Myers' 2010 staff. Mintz, 40, will return for his second season as the Miracle pitching coach and seventh year overall with the Twins system. The 2009 pitching staff, led by FSL Pitcher of the Year David Bromberg, compiled the league's second best ERA (3.18). Mintz played 12 years of professional baseball making his Major League debut on May 18, 1995. The Leland, N.C. resident was the pitching coach for GCL Twins from 2002-05, fpr Class A Beloit in 2007 and New Britain in 2008.
Dwyer, 59, will enter his fifth season as the Miracle hitting coach and his 14th year in the Minnesota organization. The Cape Coral, Fla. resident played 18 years as an outfielder in the Majors and is ninth on the all-time list among Major Leaguers in pinch-hits (100).
Bennese will return for his 12th season as the Miracle trainer. The Penn State University graduate is a five-time recipient of the Florida State League Trainer of the Year.
Smith was named the 2009 FSL Manager of the Year after leading the Miracle (80-58 overall) to the first and second-half South Division titles. The topper to the season was the second straight appearance in the playoffs and third in four years. Smith departs with a 157-117 mark in two years as skipper.
"I want to thank the staff and fans for a great time these last two years," said Smith. "My family and I have enjoyed every moment of it and I will miss the first class operation here in Fort Myers."