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Sioux City, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that they have finalized their coaching staff for the 2013 season. Longtime X’s pitcher, Ty Marotz has been named to field manager, Stan Cliburn’s coaching staff and will serve as the X’s pitching coach for the 2013 Season.  Stan Cliburn will continue the dual role and serve as the hitting coach once again in 2013.

For the past seven seasons, Ty Marotz has been one of the most consistent pitchers for the Sioux City Explorers.  Now the 31-year old right hander will be moving from the mound as a pitcher to the dugout where he will become the pitching coach for the Explorers in 2013.

“I am pleased to have Ty join our coaching staff this season. He has done a tremendous job during his career in Sioux City, as a player and in the community,” stated Field Manager Stan Cliburn. “This will be a great opportunity that I feel Ty will strive in as he begins the next chapter of his baseball career.”

In the seven years with the Explorers, Ty holds the X’s career records for games (144), innings pitched (562.1) and first in career wins (28).  Last season Marotz appeared in 16 games, 12 starts and had a record of 4-2.  An injury late in the season limited his appearances the last couple of weeks of the season.

The Crystal Lake, IL native started his professional career in 2005 with Joliet (IL) of the Northern League.  His first season with the Explorers was in 2006, appearing in only six games, all in relief.  In 2008, with the Explorers, he had his best season, appearing in 40 games with only one start with two saves and an ERA of 3.13.  That season, Marotz recorded 76 strikeouts with only 26 walks in 69 innings.

“At the end of my playing career, coaching has always been something I wanted to do and to start my coaching career in Sioux City with the Explorers makes it even better,” said Marotz.  “I feel with my pitching experience, I can bring some of that experience to our pitchers this season.  I know by finishing my playing days one year and then becoming a coach the next will not be easy.  But with the help of manager Stan Cliburn and other pitching coaches that I have had from my junior college days at Mesa Community College (AZ), at Arizona State and with the Explorers it will be an easier transition.”

In the last few off seasons Marotz has been conducting personal pitching lessons in his home state of Illinois, so coaching and working with pitchers is not something new.