Muskrats select head coach
- Updated: January 25, 2020
LACONIA — The Winnipesaukee Muskrats, the Lakes Region member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, announced that they have named current St. Thomas Aquinas College baseball assistant coach and recruiting Coordinator Rich Cesca Jr. as the team’s head coach for the 2020 season. He is the seventh head coach in Muskrats history.
“We’re very happy to have Rich Cesca join the organization,” Muskrats president Mike Smith said. “Through Rich’s winning track record and expertise, especially with pitching, we’re planning for a big season on the field.”
As a transfer and two-year starter for St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC), Cesca was a solid player at both catcher and first base. Upon graduating from STAC in 2016, he immediately joined the staff as an assistant coach working primarily with catchers and first basemen. The 2017 team broke a school record for wins and won the East Region Championship, eventually finishing No. 3 in the nation at the NCAA Division II tournament.
Following his success at STAC, he was hired as the recruiting coordinator and hitting coach at SUNY New Paltz. The 2018 New Paltz team saw improvement in batting average, doubles, triples and home runs. His coaching responsibilities included coaching third and working with hitters. The 2018 New Paltz baseball team set a single season stolen base record and went on to win a playoff game for the first time in over 10 years.
He later returned to STAC in a new role as the pitching coach. He relied heavily on his catching experience to give pitchers a unique perspective and valuable instruction. This experience gave him the opportunity to coach last summer in the NECBL for the Vermont Mountaineers. The Mountaineers led the league in team ERA and least amount of hits given up. Most recently, Cesca was promoted to recruiting coordinator at STAC.
“Coach Cesca is a fantastic addition to our organization,” Muskrats general manager Carey Hough said. “We can’t wait to see him take the helm. This is a very ambitious year for the Muskrats organization and we are lucky to have Rich and his experience leading our players as we continue to build towards a memorable season.”
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The Muskrats home opener for the 2020 season will be June 3 at Robbie Mills Field in Laconia (6:05 p.m.) against the Bristol Blues. Season tickets are now on sale by calling 413-330-6304, or by visiting online at www.muskratsbaseball.com
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