LANSING - Lansing Lugnuts general manager Jeff Calhoun is leaving the team after seven seasons and will be replaced by Patrick Day, a minor league baseball executive with eight years of experience.

At the same time, Lugnuts Director of Sales Nick Grueser has been named Assistant General Manager.

Calhoun had been the Lugnuts' General Manager since September, 2003.  The Indiana native has accepted an executive position in the Lansing area.

"It was obviously a heart-wrenching decision to leave the Lugnuts," Calhoun said.  "I will always treasure the years that I have spent here and the smiles that I've seen on the faces of Lugnuts fans.  I want to thank all of the people that contributed to those wonderful years.

"Also, I am very confident that Patrick Day has all of the training and skills to take over the reins of the Lugnuts and guide this team in the right direction."

Day, originally from Western Massachussetts, had been the Assistant General Manager of the Montgomery Biscuits (AA - Southern League).  Prior to his stint in Montgomery, Day spent five years working for the Carleston Alley Cats (A - South Atlantic League), eventually rising to General Manager.

"Patrick has worked for us for a long time, and we are confident that he will lead the Lugnuts the same way that Jeff Calhoun did, and the way that Greg Rauch did before him," said Tom Dickson, who, along with his wife and business partner Sherrie Myers, owns the Lugnuts and the Biscuits. 

"He has shown us a terrific knowledge of the industry, a desire to succeed and an energy to make it all come together," Myers added.

Grueser is entering his sixth year with the Lugnuts.  He earned the title of Director of Sales after the 2003 season and has been responsible for overseeing the corporate and group sales departments.

Day is expected to officially take over the team later this month.