COLUMBUS, Ohio – Maine native Stump Merrill is returning to the Columbus Clippers as manager for the sixth time in 19 years.

Merrill will take over the International League team on Friday, replacing the fired Brian Butterfield. Frank Howard has been filling in for Butterfield since the firing on May 16.

Merrill grew up in Brunswick, Maine, and was a member of the 1964 University of Maine baseball team that went to the College World Series. His coach: the late Jack Butterfield, Brian Butterfield’s father.

Luis Sojo will replace Merrill as manager of the Norwich Navigators. They are in first place in the Eastern League with a 22-16 record.

Merrill is the winningest manager in Clippers history with a 564-461 record for a .550 winning percentage.

Merrill last managed the Clippers in 1998. He is in his 26th season with the parent New York Yankees organization.

Merrill managed the Yankees in 1990 and 1991, compiling a record of 120-155. He led orwich to an 83-59 record last season and a second-place finish in the Eastern League’s Northern Division.

Merrill lives in South Harpswell, Maine, during the off-season.