RENO -- Jeffrey Leonard, a two-time all star during a 14-year career in the majors and former manager of minor league teams in the Oakland Athletics' organization, was hired Tuesday as the new manager of the Reno Silver Sox in the independent Golden Baseball League.

Leonard, 52, played outfield for the San Francisco Giants from 1981-88, winning the MVP for the 1987 National League Championship even though the Giants lost to the St. Louis Cardinals. He also played for the Dodgers, the Astros, the Brewers and the Mariners before retiring after the 1990 season.

He has managed Class A and AA teams for the A's and the Sonoma County Crushers in the independent Western League. He also served as a hitting coach for the Montreal Expos.

``We are thrilled to hire Jeffrey Leonard as our new manager,'' said Curt Jacey, general manager of the Reno Silver Sox. ``He's a proven minor league manager who will bring excitement to the ball park. He is also very active with youth sports and the community a main focus of our team and league.''

Leonard replaces Les Lancaster, who signed on as manager with the American Association's Sioux City Explorers after his contract expired at the conclusion of the 2007 season.

Leonard said he is ``thrilled'' for the opportunity. The terms of his contract were not disclosed.

``Reno is a great city and the Silver Sox have quickly developed a strong tradition that I want to build on,'' he said Tuesday.

``I'm looking forward to managing a fine team, getting to know the community, and getting involved with the fans and with the Reno youth sports organizations as well.''

The Golden Baseball League includes the Chico Outlaws, Orange County Flyers, Long Beach Armada, St. George Roadrunners, Yuma Scorpions, Calgary Vipers and the Edmonton Cracker Cats.