WALDORF, Md. — Stan Cliburn, one of the most accomplished managers in minor league baseball history, has stepped down as manager of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs after seven seasons and 2,083 career victories across four decades.
The Atlantic League club and Cliburn jointly announced the departure Tuesday, closing a tenure that included three playoff appearances, a 2022 first-half championship, and the 2,000th win of Cliburn’s storied managerial career.
Cliburn compiled a 458-447 record with Southern Maryland across two stints (2015 and 2019-2025). His 588 total wins in the Atlantic League rank fifth all-time in the circuit. Only 16 managers in minor league history have reached 2,000 victories; Cliburn hit the milestone July 27, 2024, at Regency Furniture Stadium with Maryland Governor Wes Moore among those in attendance.
“Stan Cliburn has been an exceptional leader for our players and our organization,” Blue Crabs CEO Charles Garramone said in a statement. “His professionalism, passion, and steady presence have made a meaningful impact on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. We thank Stan for everything he has contributed to this team, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
The 2022 season marked the high point of Cliburn’s second run in Waldorf. That year the Blue Crabs posted a 48-18 first-half record, setting an Atlantic League record for first-half winning percentage and clinching the North Division title before falling in the championship series.
Cliburn’s overall resume spans 37 years as a manager from rookie ball to Triple-A. He surpassed former Blue Crabs skipper Butch Hobson late in the 2025 season to move into 12th place on the all-time minor league wins list with a victory in Lexington on the final day of the regular season.
Broadcaster Christian Heimall, who has worked alongside Cliburn for much of the past decade, called him “an absolute legend, both in Southern Maryland and the Atlantic League.”
“I’ve been fortunate to know Stan for almost a decade and seen just how much commitment and passion he has for this game and for his players,” Heimall said. “We can’t express enough how much we appreciate all he has done for the Blue Crabs and for baseball.”
In his own statement, Cliburn thanked the organization, fans, staff, and players.
“I want to thank the Blue Crabs Organization for my time managing the baseball team throughout my seven years,” he said. “I have met many great people along the way, from the fans to the ownership, as well as front office staff and many great players! I have so many great memories of great games and amazing nights at the ballpark that I will remember forever!”
Cliburn, 68, indicated he intends to pursue new opportunities after more than 50 years in professional baseball as a player, coach, and manager.
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Cliburn was selected by the California Angels in the fifth round of the 1974 draft out of Forest Hill High School. He reached the majors in 1980, appearing in 54 games as a catcher. He and his twin brother Stu are one of only 10 sets of twins to both play in the major leagues.
After retiring as a player, Cliburn began managing in 1988. His stops included the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats, where he and Stu, serving as pitching coach, led the 2001 club to an Eastern League title. That roster featured future Hall of Famers Joe Mauer and David Ortiz along with Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer, and current Long Island Ducks manager Lew Ford.
The Blue Crabs have begun the search for Cliburn’s successor ahead of the 2026 Atlantic League season.
