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LOS ANGELES, CA – The California Collegiate League (CCL) is pleased to announce that Rick Turner, a longtime executive with Angels Baseball and former player and coach for the California Angels, has been selected as its new commissioner. The CCL’s Board of Directors unanimously approved Turner’s hiring at a February league meeting.

The Angels selected Turner in the 9th Round of the 1981 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft after an All-American catching career at UC Riverside. Turner spent three seasons in the Halos’ farm system, including one year in the Idaho Falls Rookie League under current Angels Manager Joe Maddon.

Turner would become the Angels bullpen catcher, followed by a two-year stint on Manager Buck Rodgers’ coaching staff.

Turner turned his sights to working in the front office after his playing career concluded. Since 2006, Turner has held national and regional corporate account executive positions with the Angels. Turner was responsible for cultivating partnerships with the team’s corporate sponsors and representing the Angels in the community during his 15-year tenure.

Turner proved to be a valuable asset to the franchise and left a lasting impression on some of baseball’s biggest names. The current president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and former vice president of communications for the Angels, Tim Mead, shared this:

“I would like to extend congratulations to everyone involved in the selection of Rick as commissioner of the California Collegiate League. I cannot think of a more outstanding individual to assume the responsibilities of this important role. In Rick, the CCL has found a gentleman whose passion for the game, the well-being of others, and overall respect towards those he communicates with, are among just a few of his outstanding qualities. Rick is an open-minded thinker who is detail-oriented in the present, but always with one eye on a vision of progression for the future. In our time together with the Angels, Rick was widely respected both inside and outside of the organization for his dedication, loyalty, business acumen, and communication skills. He is a true baseball man who has always maintained an enviable position of balance in his professional and personal life. I know how excited he is to join the CCL, and I also know many throughout the baseball community are going to be equally as excited for Rick.”

Turner will serve as the CCL’s chief administrative officer and be responsible for strengthening the league’s strategic partnerships. Turner will report to CCL Executive Director Aaron Milam:

“The CCL is a player-centric league and our primary focus is on their experience and development. Throughout the interview and hiring process, it was apparent that this commitment was paramount to Rick. I am confident our players, teams, and business partners will all benefit from Rick joining the CCL, and I am looking forward to leading this organization with him.”

Mike Scioscia, a three-time World Series Champion and head of the CCL’s Conejo Oaks, had this to say about Turner:

“We are very excited about the addition of Rick Turner to our CCL family. Our league has grown to be one of the best summer leagues in the country. Rick’s passion for baseball and his vast experience will help bring our league to an even higher level.”

Bill Pintard is a former Angels scout, current Yankees scout, and longtime head of the CCL’s nationally-ranked Santa Barbara Foresters:

“We are thrilled with the CCL’s choice of Rick Turner as the new commissioner of our league. His wealth of knowledge of our great game is unparalleled. His experiences as a professional player and as a member of the front office gives him a perspective that few have. This, coupled with his work ethic and communication skills, makes him an ideal choice. I, along with other league members, certainly look forward to working with him.”

Darrell Miller is a former MLB player and current vice president for youth and facility development for the Office of the Commissioner:

“I have known Rick Turner for more than 40 years. I am particularly excited to welcome Rick as the new commissioner of the California Collegiate League. Rick and I played professional baseball with the California Angels in the 1980’s and worked closely together when Rick was hired to be an MLB coach in the 1990’s. His ability to transition from a professional baseball player to MLB coach to a front office executive is a testament to his versatility. He values relationships and possesses a deep respect for the game of baseball. Rick’s leadership skills will be valuable to the CCL and to the players we serve.”

The CCL conducted a national search for the commissioner position that yielded nearly 100 applicants. A six-member committee reduced the candidate pool to four finalists. Turner was selected after multiple rounds of interviews.

“I am honored and excited to join the prestigious CCL. I am proudly following in the footsteps of dedicated individuals committed to providing opportunities for college players to hone, enhance, and showcase their talents. I am committed to providing a first-rate experience for families and fans, as well as community partners."

Born and raised in Orange, Calif., Turner is married to his wife, Karen, and has three children.

About

Founded in 1993, the California Collegiate League is one of America's premier college summer baseball destinations. Ten teams canvas the golden state of California. Each year, top college baseball players compete for the MLB Academy Barons, Arroyo Seco Saints, Conejo Oaks, Healdsburg Prune Packers, Lincoln Potters, Orange County Riptide, San Luis Obispo Blues, Santa Barbara Foresters, Solano Mudcats, and Walnut Creek Crawdads. Follow the CCL on Twitter.

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