Matlow Announces Coaching Staff for 2020 Season

BARRIE - Matlow wastes little time putting the staff together.

The Barrie Baycats Baseball Club announced today that Andrew White has been hired as our bench coach for the 2020 Intercounty Baseball League [IBL] season and that Brad Grieveson has been hired as our pitching coach for the 2020 season.

White, who played for the Baycats in 2005 and 2006, said he is honoured to take the position.

"I've known Josh for quite some time dating back to our Astros days in the early 2000s. We reunited when I played for the Baycats for a brief time in 2005 and 2006. 

"Recently, Josh texted me that he's the new general manager and head coach of the Baycats, I immediately congratulated him on his new role in baseball world; its a proud achievement and he's perfectly fit for the job. Shortly after Josh asked me if I were interested in coaching with him. I was floored and shocked by the offer, as it was clearly something I never saw coming. But I acted fast because opportunities like this one don't come around often. Josh and I have always had a good friendship and partly comes from being open and honest in all of our conversations. 

"Within days I said yes to the position I have yet to look back. Every new chapter in life takes on a new meaning and this one fell directly in front of me. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I'm over the moon in excitement and I'm ready for any challenge that lies ahead and embraces the culture that Barrie Baycats have created. The end goal is to welcome the new decade with a historical 7th championship in a row."

Grieveson, the IBL's Rookie of the Year in 2002 who was also apart of the Baycats' championship team in 2005 said he cannot wait to start working with the Baycats' talented pitching staff.

"I'm excited to return to the Baycats organization after 10 plus years. I would like to thank Josh for reaching out to me as well as Dave Mills and the rest of the Baycats executives for this opportunity. 

"Secondly I would like to thank my friends and family for all their support in coming to this decision. Especially my wife who is allowing me to spend more time at my other home, the ballpark. Although I have to take a step back from coaching my son's team he encouraged me to take this position and I thank him for that.

"I'm optimistic heading into this upcoming season and as a coaching staff, we have high expectations and big shoes to fill. I'm committed to representing the Baycats organization on and off the field and look forward to the challenge of bringing a 7th straight IBL crown back to Barrie."

Newly named general and field manager Josh Matlow said the hirings of both White and Grieveson's were no-brainers.

“I feel with their extensive baseball knowledge and current coaching experience, not to mention former Baycats who understand the Baycats culture, both Andrew and Brad are the perfect fit for continued success now and into the foreseeable future for the organization.”

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