TORONTO – Bobby Meacham will manage the Toronto Blue Jays’ top affiliate in 2017, replacing Gary Allenson as the field boss for the Buffalo Bisons.

Meacham, a former infielder for the New York Yankees, spent the past three seasons managing Toronto’s double-A New Hampshire affiliate. The 56-year-old becomes the first African American manager in the 133-year history of the Bisons franchise.

Meacham’s pro career began in 1981 when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the first round of the amateur draft. Soon after his playing career ended, Meacham began a coaching career that has included managerial jobs in Calgary, Eugene, Carolina and Rancho Cucamonga as well as big league coaching jobs for the Marlins, Yankees, Padres and Astros.

Meacham joined the Blue Jays’ organization in 2013 as the manager for the Class A Dunedin team. He spent the following three seasons managing the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, receiving the Bobby Mattick Award for his work in player development in 2015.

Allenson has 21 seasons of minor league managerial experience, including four within the Blue Jays’ system. The 61-year-old managed the Bisons from 2014-16 after a year managing in New Hampshire.

The Bisons will formally introduce Meacham in Buffalo Tuesday.