The Aberdeen IronBirds will open the 2013 season much like they did in each of the past two seasons—with a new manager.

The Orioles announced that former big league catcher Matt Merullo will join the organization and take the helm of the IronBirds this summer. He'll be the seventh manager in franchise history. The IronBirds moved to Aberdeen before the 2002 season.

Pitching coach and former Orioles reliever Alan Mills will return for a second season, while Jon Matthews joins the club for his first season as hitting coach.

Trek Schuler returns for his fifth season as the IronBirds trainer—his 14th season with the Orioles organization.

Merullo replaces Gary Allenson, who spent one season in Aberdeen. Allenson replaced Leo Gomez, who also stayed for just one season at Ripken Stadium.

Merullo played parts of six seasons in the majors in the 1990s, spending time with the White Sox, Indians and Twins.

Allenson will manage the Blue Jays' Class-AA affiliate, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

—
» Read more IronBirds news here, and follow Aberdeen Patch on Facebook and Twitter.