Your 2010 Field Manager is...

Paul Abbott.

It became official less than 48 hours ago. Paul Abbott will be the Field Manager for the Orange County Flyers in 2010. Here's the official announcement and press release from the team:



The Press Release:

FLYERS NAME PAUL ABBOTT AS FIELD MANAGER FOR 2010
11-year MLB veteran returns to OC after serving as pitching coach in 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif. (February 5, 2010) – The Orange County Flyers have agreed to terms with former Major League pitcher Paul Abbott to become the fourth field manager in franchise history. The right-handed hurler graduated from Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, Calif., and is best known for his five-year stint with the Seattle Mariners from 1998-2002. Abbott returns to manage the Flyers in 2010 after serving as pitching coach for the team in 2009.

Abbott’s coaching experience includes working as an assistant coach for the Fullerton Junior College Hornets in addition to working with the Flyers pitching staff last season. This is his first opportunity to manage.

“The deal was a no-brainer,” said Harris Tulchin, Executive VP of Player Personnel. “We wanted him, and he wanted us. We’re proud to introduce a homegrown talent like Paul as the next Field Manager of the OC Flyers.”

In early December, 2009 Flyers manager Phil Nevin was hired away by the Detroit Tigers to manage their Double-A affiliate in Erie. Nevin led the team to a 37-39 record last year. In 2008, Hall of Famer Gary Carter managed the Flyers to the team’s first GBL Championship before leaving for a job in the Atlantic League. Three-time All-Star shortstop Garry Templeton managed the Flyers during the team’s first three seasons, from 2005-07, losing in the championship series to Reno in 2006. Templeton was recently named manager of the Golden League’s Chico Outlaws.

Abbott played 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, beginning his career with the Minnesota Twins in 1990, making his MLB debut on August 21. In addition to his time with the Twins (1990-92), he also played in the Majors with the Indians (1993), Mariners (1998-2002), Royals (2003), Devil Rays (2004), and Phillies (2004). In 162 big league games, Abbott made 112 starts, going 43-37 with a 4.92 ERA. His best season came in 2001 when Abbot won a career-high 17 games, going 17-4 in 27 starts as the Mariners tied the mark for most victories in a season with 116 wins.

Abbot finished his playing career in 2005 as a member of the inaugural Fullerton Flyers team in the first year of the Golden League. The Fullerton native made 9 starts for the Flyers, going 3-5 with a 2.87 ERA.

“Paul’s ability to help develop emerging talents was apparent last season as pitching coach,” said Owner/General Manager Dan MacLeith. “Selecting him to manage the Flyers makes a smooth transition for our organization as we fight for another championship.”

Tickets for the 2010 season are currently on sale and are available by calling the Flyers office at (714) 526- 8326 or visiting the website: www.orangecountyflyers.com.