New North Adams SteepleCats GM Community Oriented
 Team President Daniel Bosley said one of the missions of new GM Jonah Bayliss, right, will be to better integrate the 'Cats into the community. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams SteepleCats has welcomed a new general manager who will focus on expanding and revitalizing the team, and strengthening its relationship with the community.
Williamstown native Jonah Bayliss, 34, was drafted to the Kansas City Royals in 2002. He made his debut as a pitcher in 2005. He has also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and in Japan.
Bayliss also played two years in the New England Collegiate Baseball League and said his knowledge of the area and the league will help him create a stronger relationship between the players and the community.
"I was born and raised here right in Berkshire County. I played on Joe Wolfe growing up, and I know and understand the community very well," Bayliss said at press event Thursday announcing his appointment. "I know what the SteepleCats mean to the community, and I am very honored to be a major part in the process."
Bayliss, who has been on the job for two months now, said he has been through what the players are experiencing, and this experience will help him develop the team.
"I know what is going through all of the players' heads, and I know how excited they are to be there," Bayliss said. "I am somebody that went on from the league and continued into professional baseball. ... It almost brings me full circle in my baseball life to be able to come back and be amongst a group of collegiate baseball players who are trying to do the same thing that I did."
Team President Dan Bosley said Bayliss' ability to do this was one of the major reasons for hiring him.
"The community is going to be well served by somebody who was born and raised here, somebody who has 10 years of pro experience, who can not only impart that wisdom to the team, but integrate that knowledge in the team so we can do better for our community," he said.
Bayliss replaces Johno Hinkell, who was named director of baseball operations after two years as general manager.
President of NECBL John DeRosa said the SteepleCats provide North Adams with a "unique opportunity" and having a team more integrated into the community will help North Adams become a "micro-urban area." He said Bayliss will be critical in this expansion.
"Baseball is really the common denominator that cuts across social, economic, generations, and brings our community together," DeRosa said. "So while the baseball component is so very important, baseball is also the tool that binds our community and makes for a great summer."
Bosley said there is a general push to expand the franchise and create a stronger presence in the community. He said he would like the team to work more with youth baseball and be active beyond the baseball season.
"We have been stable, and we have been here for 14 years. We need this year to reboot and do something that will make this franchise fresh," Bosley said. "We need to examine ourselves and make sure we are doing the best job for our community and this league."
Bayliss agreed with this strategy to revitalize the franchise.
"There is mending that we want to do and it starts with fresh ideas, and that is a luxury I have with years of minor league experience because that is what minor league baseball is, how to develop fan community relationships." he said.
He already has experience working with young ball players through his A1 Pitching Academy in Adams, which he opened last year.
Bayliss said he is still working on building a roster. He said he is need of left-handed pitchers and a manager. He said he is very particular about a manager to hire.
"I really, really want to find somebody that shares the same opinions, goals, and aspirations," he said. "We are looking for someone who has aspiration to be a great division one or professional coach."
Bosley said everyone is looking forward to the season and new ways to entertain the residents of Berkshire County.
"Fans want to be entertained, and I would argue there is nowhere around here where you can find this kind of entertainment for this price," he said. "We are trying to do more to attract fans and make it a better experience."
Season tickets for the 2015 season are available by emailing dan.bosley@verizon.net or at the online store.
Tags: college baseball, SteepleCats, youth sports,
