Traverse City, MI – While the name of the new Traverse City baseball team is yet to be announced, preparations for the season are already underway. Today, the Northwoods League franchise named Josh Rebandt as the field manager for the 2019 season. Rebandt becomes the franchise’s first manager. He is currently in his third season as the pitching coach for Davenport University in Grand Rapids.
Traverse City will not be Rebandt’s first stint in the Northwoods League. In 2018, he served as the field manager of the Battle Creek Bombers leading that team to a 38-34 record and in 2016, was the pitching coach for the Lakeshore Chinooks. Prior to 2016, he was the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for Olivet Nazarene University from 2014 – 2016 and served as the head coach for Clearwater Christian College for three seasons, 2011 – 2014.
“I am really excited to be a part of this new franchise on the ground level. I’m thankful to Traverse City Baseball for the opportunity to be the field manager during an exciting time for baseball in Traverse City,” said Rebandt. “Setting the standard and building a strong foundation in year one is very important to me and I believe we will be able to excel in doing that. I’m looking forward to our coaches and players getting involved in the community and as we get to know the area, I invite the region to become a part of what we are building.”
Before becoming a coach and manager, Rebandt had an outstanding collegiate playing career. He played for one year at Adrian College when the team made the Division III World Series in 2008. He then played for and was the captain at Clearwater Christian College for three seasons and was a key player on the Division II national runner-up team in 2011. After graduation in 2011, Rebandt accepted the role of head coach for Clearwater Christian College.
“We’re excited to have Josh on board as the field manager for our inaugural season. He has a track record of winning and brings a strong commitment to developing these kids and fostering strong ties with the community,” said Traverse City Baseball CEO Joe Chamberlin. “The Northwoods League has a long history of developing Major League players and we look forward to seeing some of the best young talent in baseball come through Traverse City this season.”
Traverse City Baseball is the new owner of Weurfel Park and the Northwoods League franchise. The 2019 season is set to kick off at the end of May and the team’s schedule will be released in December.
-end-
