First Manager Named For New TC Baseball Team

The first manager has been named for the new Traverse City baseball team set to play at Wuerfel Park next summer in the Northwoods League.

Josh Rebandt has been hired to serve as field manager for the 2019 season, becoming the as-yet-unnamed team's first manager. Rebrant is currently in his third season as the pitching coach for Davenport University in Grand Rapids. He has previous experience in the Northwoods League, having served as the field manager of the Battle Creek Bombers in 2018 and the pitching coach for the Lakeshore Chinooks in 2016. Prior to 2016, he was the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for Olivet Nazarene University and served as the head coach for Clearwater Christian College for three seasons.

"I am really excited to be a part of this new franchise on the ground level," says Rebandt. "I'm thankful to Traverse City Baseball for the opportunity to be the field manager during an exciting time for baseball in Traverse City. 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 was a collegiate player, playing 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 on the Division II national runner-up team in 2011.

“We’re excited to have Josh on board as the field manager for our inaugural season," says CEO Joe Chamberlin of Traverse City Baseball, the new owner of Weurfel Park and the Northwoods League franchise. "He has a track record of winning and brings a strong commitment to developing these kids and fostering strong ties with the community." 

The name for the new baseball team is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The inaugural 2019 season will kick off at the end of May, with the team’s schedule set to be released in December.