Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles officially announced Friday that Leo Mazzone has agreed to a three-year contract to become the team's pitching coach.

Mazzone had been with the Atlanta organization since 1979 and served as the Braves pitching coach since 1990, helping the club claim one championship, 14 straight division titles and five World Series appearances. Over those 16 seasons, the Atlanta pitching staff has led the National League in team ERA 10 times and was second twice.

Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo and Mazzone are longtime friends, having grown up together in Western Maryland.

"Leo and I have been best friends for a long time and have always said that if I get the chance to manage, he would be my pitching coach," said Perlozzo. "I'm glad for us that it will happen, but I'm really happy for the Orioles organization that Leo has joined the club. His record speaks for itself and I have no doubt he will help our pitchers and the ballclub reach the next level."

The Orioles current pitching coach Ray Miller called Baltimore executive vice president Mike Flanagan to give his blessing to hire another pitching coach. Miller's status for the 2006 season was already uncertain, as he is recovering from surgery to remove an aneurysm.

"I want to thank Ray Miller for all he did, for his support and his professionalism. Ray did an outstanding job and we remain good friends," said Perlozzo.