Mauer to manage Miracle
For only the second time in Fort Myers Miracle franchise history, a former player will become the team’s new manager.
Jake Mauer, 30, older brother of Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer, was named the manager of the Miracle Wednesday by the Twins organization. He replaces Jeff Smith, who was given the manager’s job at Double-A New Britain after leading the Miracle to the Florida State League playoffs two consecutive seasons.
Smith departs having compiled a 157-117 mark in two years as Miracle skipper.
Mauer is the team’s 10th skipper spanning 18 years. Mauer played 128 career games for the Miracle in 2003 and 2005.
The past two years, the St. Paul, Minn., native guided the Gulf Coast League Twins. After leading the GCL Twins (34-21) to first place in the South Division in 2009, he was named the league’s manager of the year.
“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 was selected by the Twins in the 23rd round (677th overall) of the 2001 MLB Draft. Both Mauer brothers played in Fort Myers during the 2003 season.
“It really doesn’t seem that long ago that I played with the Miracle,” Mauer added. “I remember the great fans and atmosphere and look forward to being back in a Miracle uniform.”
In five minor league seasons, Mauer compiled a .256 batting average with 82 RBI and no home runs. An elbow injury forced him to retire after the 2005 season. He accepted a job as a minor league coach with the Twins, and in 2008 was promoted to manage the GCL Twins.
Joining Mauer in the dugout are pitching coach Steve Mintz, 40, back for his second season, and hitting coach Jim Dwyer, 59, a Cape Coral resident entering his fifth season with the club.
Trainer Larry Bennese rounds out the staff for 2010. Bennese returns for his 12th season as the Miracle trainer.
The Fort Myers Miracle open the 2010 season on April 8th.