Travis Leonardi

Photo credit: Dominik Vega

The Upper Valley Nighthawks announced Mat Pause as the team's new manager for the 2023 season. Pause, the hometown product from Hartford, Vt., was promoted after serving as the Nighthawks hitting coach in 2017, 2018 and 2022. 

He carries years of collegiate baseball experience as he takes the reins in the Upper Valley. Pause previously served as head coach of St. Michael’s and was an assistant coach at St. Joseph and Colby Sawyer.

“I want to thank Noah Crane for the opportunity to manage this great organization,” Pause said. “Growing up, and still living in the Upper Valley, I know how good this organization has been for the community.”

The Nighthawks are coming off an up-and-down 2022 season. It went 19-23, placed fourth in the North division and missed the NECBL Postseason by two games. Previous manager Justin Devoid accepted a full-time opportunity as an assistant coach at Cornell as the door opened for Pause.

“I think Justin did a really good job the past two years,” Pause said. “I think our styles are very similar in that we are competitive and want to win every night. We also both care about the development of our players the short time they are here with us.”

Pause helped carry the Nighthawks offense to new heights in 2022. The team featured five position players on the 2022 NECBL All-Star team. The Nighthawks set a new franchise record for runs scored in a game June 19 in a 19-8 victory over North Adams. Standout Eastern Illinois third baseman Ryan Ignoffo hit two home runs and had nine RBI in the win.

“My favorite part about the Nighthawks is working with great baseball players from all over the country from very good programs,” Pause said. “I am most looking forward to working with a great group of guys for the sole purpose of becoming a better baseball player.”

He hopes to repeat the professional opportunities the Nighthawks helped foster over the years. Two players from the 2022 team entered professional baseball during the season: Assumption College left-handed pitcher Jack Choate was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the ninth round of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft. Lipscomb right-handed pitcher Trey Nordmann signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Orioles. 

Four Nighthawks from previous years were also drafted in 2022: Alan Roden, Reid Vanscoter, Mason Fluharty and Andrew Cossetti.

A dose of perspective rings from Pause’s words for prospective players. The fresh air of the Upper Valley relieves the pressure of a year-long commitment to playing baseball.

“I want to create an environment where guys can go out there and just play,” Pause said. “Summer ball, for the most part, is where players can be themselves without fear of being benched if they are struggling. I am here to create a positive environment where guys can be successful. I want a culture where we try to win every night.”

There is a sting remains after missing the playoffs and losing game seven of the Governor’s Cup, the annual in-state series between the Nighthawks and the Vermont Mountaineers.

“I think we start the year with three goals,” Pause said. “Make the playoffs, win the Governor's Cup, and win the NECBL Championship.”

The Nighthawks begin the 2023 NECBL season June 6. See you back at the Max this summer!