Seals skipper Boone steps down

So... that was unexpected. Victoria Seals manager Bret Boone has resigned to handle personal matters five games into the 2010 season. Boone, the second manager in Seals history, had strong ties to the region after spending years with the Seattle Mariners in the big leaguers. Flyers manager Paul Abbott played with Bret on the Mariners for two seasons, including the 2001 team that won 116 games and the AL West Division Championship.

For now, Victoria's pitching coach Kip Gross will take over as interim field manager. Gross spent parts of six seasons in the Major Leagues, including two years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Here is the official word on the matter courtesy of the Victoria Seals website:

Seals Field Manager Steps Down

Bret Boone resigns to handle personal matters.

For Immediate Release
Thursday May 27, 2010

Victoria, BC - The Victoria Seals announced today that Field Manager Bret Boone has resigned from his position with the team effective immediately. The San Diego, California resident is returning home to be with his family and deal with a personal situation.

"This was a very difficult decision for me," said Boone. "I am disappointed that I won't be able to be with the team throughout the rest of the season, but after a lot of consideration, I have decided that this is the best move for both me and my family."

The 41-year-old former Seattle Mariners all-star signed on as Field Manager of the Seals on March 8th, and claimed his first win as bench boss of the club on opening night against Maui. The third generation Major League Baseball player steps aside from managing with a 3-2 record at the helm.

"It's an unfortunate set of circumstances for both our team and organization as a whole," said Seals President Darren Parker. "For our players and fans it is business as usual as we progress in this season. We wish Bret all the best in dealing with his family situation, and good luck in his future baseball endeavours."

At this time the Victoria Seals will reserve any further comment, and ask that both members of the media and the public respect the Boone family's privacy during this time.

The Seals ownership group has already begun processing potential candidates for Boone's replacement, with Pitching Coach Kip Gross set to fill in as Field Manager on an interim basis, alongside Bench Coach Josh Arhart and Player/Coach Brian Rios.

Victoria begins its second series of the 2010 campaign tonight when the Orange County Flyers arrive for the first game of a four-game set at 7:05 p.m. local time. The contest will also be broadcast live online at www.victoriaseals.ca, and in the ballpark on 88.1 FM. Both single game and season tickets for the 2010 campaign are now on sale, available through the Victoria Seals office. Call (250) 220-7777 for more information, or to book your seat today!