McKay joins new Mariners regime to oversee player development

La Crosse, Wis. – Seattle Mariners newly appointed general manager Jerry Dipoto announced his first major hiring yesterday (Sept. 21) and it came in the form of a new farm director when he announced the hiring of former Loggers field manager Andy McKay to oversee the Mariners player development program.

McKay had served as the Peak Performance Coordinator for the Colorado Rockies since late 2012, shortly after his five-year run as the Loggers skipper came to an end.

The Sacramento, Calif. native led the Loggers from 2008-2012 culminating his run with a Northwoods League Championship in 2012.  The Loggers won more games than any other team in summer collegiate baseball during the five seasons under McKay’s guidance, posting a record of 213-142 (.600) during that span (2008-20012, including post-season). La Crosse made two post-season appearances, advancing to the Championship both times (2009 & 2012), and never won less than 38 games in a season. He ended his Logger career sixth all-time in victories and fourth all-time in winning percentage in the NWL and is the Loggers all-time winningest manager. 45 former Loggers were also drafted during McKay’s tenure, including current big league pitcher Chris Sale (White Sox).

Before joining the Rockies and the Loggers, McKay served as the head coach at Sacramento City College for 14 seasons and also coached in the Cape Cod League and Alaskan Summer Collegiate League.