4 things you may not know about new Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon

Lloyd McClendon was hired on Tuesday to be the new manager of the Seattle Mariners. The former Tigers hitting coach has been involved in the Majors for the past 32 years, but here are four things you may not know about the one the kids used to call "Legendary Lloyd."

4. McClendon actually began his baseball career as a 12-year-old in the 1971 Little League World Series. "Legendary Lloyd" hit five home runs on five swings to carry his Gary, Ind. team to the Williamsport finale against Taiwan. The U.S. squad eventually lost in nine innings, with the future big leaguer looming on-deck.

3. In 1980, McClendon, a catcher, was drafted by the Mets. Two years later he (and two others) were traded to the Reds for some guy named Tom Seaver.

2. A few years after his playing career ended, the 42-year-old took over the Pirates' managerial job from 2001-05. McClendon compiled a 336-446 record and pulled off this rare (and fantastic) steal of first base upon one of his ejections:

1. From 2007 to this past year, McClendon served as hitting coach for the Tigers. Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera (three times) each won batting titles under his watch. That's seven seasons, FOUR batting champs.