Jake Opitz became the first new hire made by first year Blue Crabs Manager Jeremy Owens when he was named the Crabs hitting coach for the 2016 season.  Opitz joins the coaching staff after a professional playing career that spanned eight seasons, including three as a middle infielder for Southern Maryland.

Opitz began his professional career in 2008 after he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 12th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft out of the University of Nebraska.  He made it as high as the Triple-A level in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.

ALPB ALL-STAR:  In 2014, Opitz led the Blue Crabs in homeruns (18), at-bats (482), runs scored (83), hits (136), slugging (.461), and second in runs batted in with 78, leading to his first All-Star appearance.  Despite battling injury, Jake was named to the Atlantic League All-Star game for the second consecutive season, while holding an 18 game on base streak at Regency Furniture Stadium in the middle of the 2015 campaign. 

PERSONAL: Jake M. Opitz…born on July 28th, 1986 in Englewood, Colorado…has two brothers (Shane and Casey), and one sister (Jessica)…his father Jeff played college baseball at Metro State College in Denver…