THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Border Cats have named veteran Eric Vasquez as the team’s new manager.
The 45-year-old guided the Willmar Stingers in 2017, leading the team to a 41-31 record and a spot in the Northwoods League playoffs.
He’s also got plenty of collegiate level experience, including time at San Francisco State University, California State University-Northridge, Jacksonville University, Utah Valley University and the Unviersity of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
“I am honoured to be named the manager of the Border Cats,” Vasquez said in a release issued on Thursday by the team.
“Thunder Bay has a great tradition and I look forward to putting together a staff and team that will enable us to build on that tradition. The Border Cats are going to be a fun team to watch this summer. As the manager, it is my goal not only to put a quality team on the field, but to also represent the city of Thunder Bay across the Northwoods (League) as a premier city and baseball environment.”
Thunder Bay vice-president Bryan Graham, who a day earlier confirmed the team had signed a purchase agreement with the league, allowing them to take the Border Cats reins, said it was Vasquez’s experience that pushed him over the top.
“Of all the candidates we spoke to, Eric’s experience and veteran leadership along with his previous success in the Northwoods League and his understanding of the grind of the season as well as the tough travel schedule, made him our top choice,” Graham said.
“Eric is very well connected at the college baseball level across North America and we trust that will translate into a competitive team on the field.”
The Cats open their 17th season at home on May 28 against Duluth.
