New Mud Hens manager back in Toledo

TOLEDO – Thousands of Mud Hens fans poured into downtown Toledo on Friday, filling streets, bars, restaurants and Fifth Third Field to celebrate Opening Day 2025.

Though the Hens (0-2) started off strong with a solo home run by infielder and top prospect Jace Jung in the first inning, they lost 5-8 to the Columbus Clippers (2-0), led by manager Andy Tracy, a native of Bowling Green and BGSU graduate.

Nearly 13,000 ticket holders endured light rain at the start of the game, but by the third inning the sun poked through the clouds and fans settled into their seats to watch the Hens play under the direction of its new manager, Gabe Alvarez.

Alvarez comes to Toledo after having spent three seasons as the manager for the Erie Seawolves, the Double A affiliate for the Detroit Tigers.

In his three season in Erie, he compiled a record of 232-178 and was named the 2023 Eastern League Manager of the Year in 2023. In his time at Erie, he led the Seawolves to three division titles and two league championships. Before coming to Erie, he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the USC Trojans.

Although this will be Alvarez’s first year as the Mud Hens manager, he is no stranger to Toledo. He spent three seasons with the team in multiple stints from 1998 to 2000, and he looks back on his time here with great fondness. During that time, the Mud Hens played at Ned Skeldon Stadium in Maumee before moving into a brand new stadium at Fifth Third Field in 2002.

As a player, Alvarez played three season in the majors for the Tigers and Padres. He was drafted in the 2^nd round of the MLB draft in 1995 by San Diego, retiring after an eight-year career in 2003.

“I remember how kind the fans were to me,” Alvarez recalled on Thursday during an interview on Media Day. “They always came out and supported us, and that’s something that’s special to a player or a coach.”

While winning is the goal in the major leagues, it’s not as simple in the minors with everyone trying to reach their goal of making the major leagues.

“The number one goal is to develop them as players and to help them get up to the big leagues,” Alvarez said. “I do believe part of their development is to compete to win the game, which is all that matters when you’re in the big leagues.”

Alvarez said he found out about his promotion to Toledo after the conclusion of last season, which included a few of his players he coached in Erie. He said he feels like that will be a good thing moving forward.

“It’s great. A lot of these guys and I have a great bond. We’ve been through a lot together,” Alvarez said.

Relief pitcher Pj Poulin was promoted from Erie to Toledo last July, and is excited to be back playing for the Mud Hens this year.

“I really love Toledo. I had a great time here last year for the half year I was here,” Poulin said. “The fans show up here, which is really cool.”

Mud Hens fan Luis Mata said the experience is always fun at Fifth Third Field.

“I really like the environment … the small stadium feeling. Feels like home,” he said.

The Hens fell 6-7 in their second consecutive game against the Clippers on Saturday.

The Mud Hens next home series begins April 8 against the Iowa Cubs.

Photos by Lori King

Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez.

Mud Hens pitcher Dietrich Enns poses for a Mud Hens photographer during Mud Hens Media Day.

Mud Hens infielder Hao-Yu Lee plays around with the bat before getting his photo taken on Mud Hens Media Day.

Mud Hens infielder Jace Jung (2) enters the dugout after hitting the first home run of the season.

The Mud Hens grounds crew prepares to maintain the field during a rainy start to the game.

Fans shield themselves from the pouring rain during the first inning.

Mud Hens pitcher Lael Lockhart throws in the rain during the first inning.

Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez and a Columbus Clippers infielder look up at the sky as the sun begins to poke through the clouds. It rained the first few innings of the game.

First-year Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez watches his team from the dugout.

Columbus Clippers manager Andy Tracy signals two outs as he enters the field. Tracy is a native of Bowling Green, Ohio and attended BGSU.

Mud Hens pitcher Lael Lockhart is counseled by the catcher after he walks a player in the first inning.

Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez gives the ball to relief pitcher Ryan Miller in the first inning.

Mud Hens infielder Hao-Yu Lee (44) watches a lose ball as a Columbus Clipper is safe at 2nd base.

Toledo firefighters watch the Mud Hens Opening Day game against the Columbus Clippers.