From left, Mike Candela and Julian Rifkind are co-general managers for the Visalia Rawhide baseball time. Photo via Visalia Rawhide

The Visalia Rawhide are going for a double play as the team replaces one general manager with two.

The Class A Advanced California League team announced Thursday it would bring on Mike Candela and Julian Rifkind as co-general managers for the 2020 season and beyond.

Former General Manager Jennifer Reynolds stepped down Monday.

“Jennifer announced this week she wanted to resign in order to spend more time with her family. We support her decision and wish her the best in the future,” said Sam Sigal, new co-owner of the Rawhide.

“Jennifer was a huge reason the Rawhide have been successful, and we are thankful to her 13 years of dedication,” Sigal continued. “We are excited to move forward with the baseball season being less than two months away and we know the Rawhide, under the current staff and leadership, will continue to be successful.”

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Rifkind has been with the organization since 2015 when he was hired as an intern. He moved to Visalia the same year. He worked in operations before becoming assistant general manager in October 2019.

Also from Brooklyn, Candela moved to Visalia in 2008, managing ticketing operations for the Rawhide. He then worked for the Bakersfield Blaze as general manager before they relocated and then for the Quad Cities River Bandits in Iowa as vice president. He moved back to Visalia to be with his family. He also became assistant general manager in October 2019.

Opening day for the defending California League champions will be April 9 against Stockton Ports. Visit the Rawhide website for tickets.