LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – The Lake Elsinore Storm today announced that hitting coach Phil Plantier has been named the interim manager of the team, replacing the franchise’s all-time winningest manager, Carlos Lezcano. Lezcano, in his 19th season as a Minor League manager and his fifth with the Storm, resigned effective June 2 due to family reasons.
With 23 wins this season, Lezcano is now 43 wins shy of 1,000 career Minor League victories. He led the Storm to four straight playoff appearances including a run to the California League Finals in 2007.
The 2010 California League Manager of the Year expressed appreciation for his time in Lake Elsinore. “The last five years in Lake Elsinore have been the best five years of my managerial career,” said Lezcano. “I would like to thank all of the fans and especially the Storm organization for making my stay a memorable one.”
Plantier, who played in the Major Leagues with the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals before eventually returning to the game in a coaching capacity. Prior to joining the coaching ranks with the Padres, Plantier served as a hitting coordinator, hitting coach and manager within the Seattle Mariners organization.
The Storm, amidst a nine-game home winning streak, will continue their current four-game homestand at The Diamond and conclude first half play on Sunday, June 19. The Storm are seeking to reach the playoffs for the 10th time in their 11 year affiliation with the Padres.