The Upper Valley Nighthawks are excited to announce their 2019 coaching staff. The staff for this season will feature three new coaches but two are familiar faces to Nighthawk fans.

Taking over as manager for Jason Szafarski is Keller Bradford a former Nighthawk pitcher. Bradford is in his first season as the pitching coach at Mississippi Delta Community College. Bradford was a pitcher for the University of Southern Mississippi and made 13 appearances for the Nighthawks in 2017.

“It’s difficult to replace Jason but I’m excited to bring Keller back to the Upper Valley and have him lead our team,” said Nighthawks General Manager, Noah Crane. “Keller has the personality, communication skills, and baseball knowledge that will enable him to be successful as a summerball manager,” said Crane.

The another familiar face belongs to Mike Coss who assumes the role of pitching coach this season. Coss is in his first season as the pitching coach at SUNY Cobleskill and pitched for the Nighthawks in 2016 and 2017. The Marist College graduate was a member of two Nighthawk pitching staffs and a fan favorite in the Upper Valley. “Hiring Mike was the easiest decision I’ve made here in four years,” said GM Noah Crane. “It’s impossible not to like Mike and his competitiveness and pitching knowledge will greatly benefit our players."

Brandon Eady will serve as the Nighthawks hitting coach replacing Hartford native Mat Pause who is now the head coach at St. Michael’s College. Eady coaches alongside Mike Coss at SUNY Cobbleskill. Eady, a Maryland native, was an outfielder at DIII powerhouse Keystone College. Following graduation Eady spent one season as an assistant at his alma mater before taking his current position at SUNY Cobleskill. 

“I’m excited to have these three coaches working with our players this summer. Their passion, energy, and baseball knowledge will make for a beneficial and enjoyable summer for our guys,” stated Noah Crane.

The 2019 Nighthawks will arrive in the Upper Valley during the first weekend of June. The game of the season will be down in Keene, New Hampshire on June 5th to take in the SwampBats. The 2019 home opener will be Saturday night June 8th at 6PM at the Maxfield Sports Complex.