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Mavericks lock in coaching staff for 2019

Oct 10, 2018 | 9:06 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Less than two months after hoisting the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy as WMBL champions, the Medicine Hat Mavericks have declared its coaching staff for 2019.

Andrew Murphy, named the WMBL’s Coach of the Year in 2018, will not be returning at the helm. Instead, Tom Vessella out of Burbank, CA is taking over as skipper.

Vessella, currently an associate coach for Moorpark Community College, will be joined by returning hitting coach Fehlandt Lentini next season. Kyle Swannack also will not be returning, having won two championship rings in the Gas City.

“The Mavericks would like to wish both Andrew and Kyle good luck in their future careers,” wrote the Mavericks in a press release issued Wednesday night. “Both were an integral part in the success of the Mavericks organization. Andrew was part of the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Kyle was part of 4 of the last 5 seasons, including the 2014 and 2018 championship teams. Good Luck gentlemen, and thank you for your efforts!”

Murphy originally joined the team in 2017 as a first-base and pitching coach. He was promoted to skipper after Michael Thompson’s departure from the organization following the 2016 campaign.

Vessella, who’s in the process of earning his PHD in Washington University, has an extensive history competing in baseball. He played nine seasons as a minor league pitcher within the San Fransisco Giants organization, reaching as high as AAA, according to the Mavericks.

Medicine Hat’s quest for a repeat league title will begin either late May or early June, signifying the inception of the Western Canadian Baseball League.