The Seattle Mariners have fired Pat Shine, General Manager of the Clinton Lumberkings. The news comes in the middle of the season, and right before Tuesday night's All Star game.
Lumberkings spokesman, Erik Oas, says 1969 was the last time a manager was fired before the end of a season. The Mariners did not give a reason for Shine's dismissal. And it surprised both players and staff. Oas says Shine plans to meet with them one last time to say thanks and goodbye.
David Macinas will replace Shine as general manager, and he scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. Last year, he coordinated international player programs for the Seattle Mariners. Macias also played professional baseball, including 98 games with the Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League in 2009 and 2011.
Oas says Shine will not serve as the manager of the western division team as planned for the All Star game. That job will now be handled by the remaining Lumberking coaching staff. Four Clinton players are also in Midland, Michigan for the Midwest Baseball League All Star game and tonight's Home Run Derby.
