Carrera & Hessman named as postseason All-Stars
The International League today announced its postseason All-Star Team and Award Winners as selected by the circuit's managers, coaches, media, and club representatives. The 2014 IL Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year is the League's leading hitter, Syracuse's Steven Souza, Jr., currently on a Major League rehab assignment after a promotion to the Washington Nationals. The League's winningest pitcher, Pawtucket's Anthony Ranaudo, has been elected as the IL's Most Valuable Pitcher. Souza's skipper, Billy Gardner, Jr., is the International League Manager of the Year in his very first season at the Triple-A level.
The Mud Hens had two players selected to the IL Postseason All-Star Team:
All-Star Outfielder - Ezequiel Carrera (Toledo)
Though he's been with the Detroit Tigers for the entire month of August, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera still comfortably leads the International League with 43 stolen bases this season. He's also 4th in the League in on-base percentage and 5th in batting average. The 27-year-old was elected to the IL's mid-season All-Star Team in July. Toledo has now had an outfielder on the League's Postseason All-Star Team in consecutive seasons, with Carrera following Nick Castellanos from a year ago.
All-Star Designated Hitter - Mike Hessman (Toledo)
Mike Hessman returned to the Toledo Mud Hens this season and set the International League's all-time career home run record, surpassing Ollie Carnegie on June 30 with his 259th long ball in the IL. For 2014, the 36-year-old Hessman is 2nd in the League with 28 home runs. He is now a three-time IL Postseason All-Star, becoming just the 12th player in League history to do so. Hessman was also Toledo's most recent third baseman to become an IL Postseason All-Star (2008).
2014 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STAR TEAM
- Catcher: Josh Phegley, Charlotte Knights
- First Baseman: Andy Wilkins, Charlotte Knights
- Second Baseman: Jose Pirela, Scranton/WB RailRiders
- Shortstop: Emmanuel Burriss, Syracuse Chiefs
- Third Baseman: Brandon Laird, Syracuse Chiefs
- Outfielders: Ezequiel Carrera, Toledo Mud Hens; Kevin Pillar, Buffalo Bisons; Steven Souza, Jr., Syracuse Chiefs
- Designated Hitter: Mike Hessman, Toledo Mud Hens
- Utility Player: Phil Gosselin, Gwinnett Braves
- Starting Pitcher: Anthony Ranaudo, Pawtucket Red Sox
- Relief Pitcher: Bobby Korecky, Buffalo Bisons
Hens fend off Clippers' rally for first win of the season
The Toledo Mud Hens picked up their first victory of the 2025 season with a 6-5 victory over the Columbus Clippers on Sunday. While the Clippers refused to lay down and die, the Hens were able to fend off a ninth inning rally. In the end, Toledo pitchers were able
Strong relief performance, late rallies fall short
Toledo, OH – The Toledo Mud Hens fell to the Columbus Clippers 7-6 despite a valiant comeback attempt on Saturday afternoon at Fifth Third Field. Matt Manning toed the rubber for the Mud Hens, while Ryan Webb took the ball for the visitors in game two. The Hens took a
Hens hit three home runs in front of Opening Day crowd
The Toledo Mud Hens opened the 2025 season in front of over 12,000 fans with an 8-5 loss against the Columbus Clippers Friday afternoon. The Hens and Clippers went back and forth all game, but ultimately fell short. Toledo went with lefty Lael Lockhart as the Opening Day starter who,
Gabe Alvarez named 2025 Mud Hens manager
Toledo, OH – The Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens announced that Gabe Alvarez has been named manager of the Triple-A affiliate for the 2025 season. Alvarez is the 12th person to manage the Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field and the 60th in Toledo baseball history. Alvarez comes to
A history of Negro Leagues baseball in Toledo
TOLEDO, OH – The city of Toledo holds a rich history in the game of baseball. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s look back at Toledo’s Negro Leagues baseball history. The 1923 Toledo Tigers were a member of the Negro National League (NNL). The team only lasted a short
Tickets for all 2025 home games on sale
Start making your spring and summer plans because all Toledo Mud Hens 2025 home games are now on sale. Reserve your seats for Opening Day on March 28, Rock-n-Blast on July 3, and every other exciting moment at Fifth Third Field next season. BUY TICKETS 2025 Schedule Highlights - Opening
Mud Hens name Matt Melzak as next play-by-play announcer
Toledo, OH – The Toledo Mud Hens have announced that Matt Melzak will be its head TV and radio play-by-play announcer for the 2025 season. He fills the position left by former Mud Hens broadcaster Jim Weber, who passed away last year. Melzak is a veteran broadcaster with over 20
Toledo named no. 2 Minor League sports market
Toledo, OH – On the heels of a sold out Walleye Opening Weekend and a successful Mud Hens season, Toledo has again been recognized as a top city for minor league sports. The Glass City was just named the no. 2 Minor League Sports Market by Street & Smith's Sports
Season ticket holder shares passion, history with the Hens
Jim Bowen never imagined the lifelong friendships and countless memories he would make after becoming a Mud Hens fan in the late 90s. His first experiences at Ned Skeldon stadium ignited his passion for the Hens, and he’s been enjoying every moment at Fifth Third Field since. Bowen’s love for
Jobe, offense do the job in big Friday win
TOLEDO – The Toledo Mud Hens defeated the Columbus Clippers 10-4 on Friday night at Fifth Third Field. Jackson Jobe picked up his first AAA win while striking out four batters in the win. Jobe took the mound for his first home start with the Mud Hens, while Zak Kent
Mud Hens haunted by Clippers in a 14-3 Halloween thriller
It was a night full of tricks, treats, and baseball chills at Fifth Third Field as the Mud Hens fell to the Columbus Clippers, 14-3, in the penultimate game of the season. The Halloween-themed showdown kicked off with a spooky 5:06 PM start, and the Mud Hens sent an early
Troy Watson goes 5.0 innings as the Clippers no-hit the Hens
The Toledo Mud Hens and Columbus Clippers battled yet again on Thursday night at Fifth Third Field with the Clippers no hitting the Hens and taking the win 2-0. Troy Watson earned the start as he came into this game with a 3-7 record and a 7.93 ERA this season.
Lockhart goes 5.1 innings as the Hens fall 3-0
The Mud Hens were defeated by the Columbus Clipper 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Fifth Third Field. Lael Lockhart earned the start for the Hens as it is projected to be his last of the year. Lockhart enters this game with a 4-7 record and a 5.34 ERA. Lockhart started