The Duluth Huskies have hired former Major Leageue Manager Terry Collins to be their new field manager. He replaces Adam Stahl who was let go after two and half years with the club. Collins arrived in Duluth Wednesday and his first game in uniform will be Thursday night as the Alexandria Beetles visit Wade Stadium.

Collins managed the Houston Astros from 1994-1996 and the Anaheim Angels from 1997-1999, compiling a 444-434 record. He also has 11 years of minor-league coaching experience and most recently managed Team China at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

“The Duluth Huskies are excited to bring in Terry Collins, as the entire organization looks forward to accessing his immense baseball knowledge and experience,” Huskies general manager Craig Smith said in a prepared statement.

Huskies owner Bobby McCarthy has been a friend of Collins for 25 years since Collins time with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. McCarthy opened his restaurant Bobby’s in Vero Beach, Fla., in 1981 and the restaurant quickly became a favorite with Los Angeles Dodgers players and coaches who assembled each year in nearby Dodgertown for spring training.

Collins agreement with the Huskies is non-binding as he has been in the running for other managerial jobs within Major League Baseball. He plans to be with the Huskies through the end of the season but will be allowed to leave if a Major League club comes calling.

The Huskies currently sit in last place in the North Division second half standings at 6-11 and are 19-31 overall. They are five games behind first place St. Cloud and Rochester with 19 games left.