The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers will have a new field boss determining the starting lineup this season.
The Intercounty Baseball League team has announced Gilberto "Gil" Rondon as its new manager for the 2025 season.
Rondon was the squad's pitching coach for the inaugural season in CK last year and will be taking over from last year's manager, Dan Norman.
"The club constructed their pitching staff around talented young arms to be developed over the next few years. Gil's experience and insights proved integral to the successes and development of the roster as the Barnstormers defied the odds, winning 20 games and registered a postseason birth in their first season," a statement from the Barnstormers said.
General Manager Harry Muir is back with the team and said he's looking forward to Rondon leading the talent he's assembled.
"We are very excited to have Gil in this new role as manager. His knowledge and experience is invaluable to our young roster," Muir noted.
Rondon was drafted in the 3rd round of the MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles and pitched in the major leagues for the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox.
He also coached in many organizations, such as the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Trois Rivieres Saints of the Frontier League, Bravos de Leon of the Mexican League, and most recently managed the Empire State Greys of the Frontier League.
Rondon also coached on Puerto Rico's staff for the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Rondon said he's looking forward to leading this young, talented Barnstormers team.
"It's going to be exciting; it's going to be a challenge for me and all of us. It's a learning process and they're going to learn how to play the game the right way and make things easier for themselves because they have the ability," Rondon said.
Rondon was born in Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Florida.
The Barnstormers said he comes from a strong baseball family as both his father and his uncle played Major League Baseball.
The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers brass said they want to build on their 5th place finish last season.
The team currently has 18 players under contract for the upcoming season.
The home opener at Fergie Jenkins Field in Chatham is set for May 17, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.