Former pro, college coaching experience headlines the Crosscutters’ staff for 2024
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Changes needed to be made.
That was the prevailing thought from spectators and fans after a disappointing 2023 campaign for the Williamsport Crosscutters. Williamsport never seemed to get going in their previous season, finishing last in both the first half and second half season's in the MLB Draft League with an overall record of 30-44.
Their .405 winning percentage marked a 12-year low for the organization and represents a stark contrast from their 44-31 season the year prior.
But with a new season comes a revamped coaching staff and hope for a brighter summer. With the exception of pitching coach Anthony Markle, the Cutters have a completely renovated coaching staff headlined by new manager Ryan Hanigan.
"I was one of these guys trying to get into the league," said Hanigan during the Crosscutters' media day on Sunday. "I played in the (Cape Cod) League, but a league like this would've been something I would've been passionate trying to get involved in. (It's) a great opportunity, these guys are gonna get scene by big league scouts left and right, and play against some of the best players in the country. I'm excited to help these guys, there is a lot of talent here ... we're gonna have a good time."
Few players have had a more unique journey to the MLB than Hanigan. Struggling to find a place to play college ball, he became a Division 2 standout with Rollins College, helping lead the Tars to the Division 2 Baseball Championship.
After being passed over in the 2002 MLB Draft, the Cincinnati Reds signed Hanigan as a free agent, with the catcher working his way through the minor league system all the way to the bigs in 2007 in what was the start of a decade long MLB career with four different organizations.
As seasoned as one came be from a player's standpoint, Hanigan traverses the top step of the dugout for the first time as manager of the Cutters.
"It's exciting," added Hanigan. "It's definitely something I was gonna do in my career. I played a long time and I needed a few years off. To me, I missed it. I missed being on the field. The career I had was special and so I feel like I have a lot of knowledge I can give these guys in terms of what it takes. ... I can really help some of these guys tighten up their game, and be a professional. That's what these guys need to learn. The talent's there, but its how you pull it out."
If coaching experience was to be a concern for the Cutters in 2024, they can be quelled thanks to the addition of new bench/hitting coach Kenny Thomas. A Nashville native, Thomas also has hits roots from Division 2, joining the Cutters after a 22 year stint as coach at USC Aiken. With the Pacers, Thomas accumlated 1,279 wins, five conference championships and a regional championship in 1993.
"I'm trying to bring expereince here," said Thomas. "There's not much I haven't seen. My saying is 'you thought you've seen it all but obviously you ain't' that's the truth, but Ibut I've seen alot; and I'm gonna try to bring that experience to some of these young guys."
"I told the hitters this morning 'I'm not here to change you,'" Added Thomas. "I've been a motivator. My whole career (I've) been a player development guy. I've always taken guys and made them better, that's my job. (I won't) try to change them, but maybe just add little things to help them and make them a better player."
One of Thomas's standout players, Sean Miller, rounds out the coaching staff as an assistant after a playing career that reached as high as the Triple A level.
The beginning of the Draft League season is frantic, with young talents coming in and out of the lineup even before the season begins. But with a revamped coaching staff, morale comes off as high as they are set to begin a fresh slate in 2024.
"A lot of these guys from what I've seen already have alot of talent, we just gotta let that shine," said Hanigan. "I've had my time in the big leagues, now I'm here for these guys."