Dec 16, 2024
Frank Jagoda III, left, was introduced as the new manager of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks at the Carl Cappa Theater at the Robert H. Jackson Center on Saturday. Joining him is Anthony Barone, a former manager of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League franchise in Jamestown. Barone is now the manager of the Milwaukee Milkmen, who are a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball. OBSERVER photo by Scott Kindberg
JAMESTOWN — Frank Jagoda III, his wife, Tara, and their infant son, Grayson, took their place at the front of the Carl Cappa Theater at the Robert H. Jackson Center early Saturday afternoon and posed for a few obligatory photographs.
That was part of the expected promo after he was officially introduced as the new manager of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Frank join us,” said Tarp Skunks general manager Christian Dolce. “His passion for the game and commitment to developing players aligns perfectly with our goal of building a winning culture, on and off the field.”
Possessing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in amateur, collegiate and professional baseball, the Dunkirk High School graduate spent the last five years with the Tampa Bay Rays, working in pro scouting and player development. He also spent time with USA Baseball as the director of the national team, and as a scout, coach and advisor from 2014-2020. Along the way, he helped secure gold medals in Colombia and Panama, as well as a silver medal in South Korea, a bronze medal in Japan and an international trip to Taiwan.
Jagoda began his coaching career at Jamestown Community College in 2009 as a pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.
Frank Jagoda III, wife Tara and their son, Grayson, pose for a photo after the former was named the manager of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks on Saturday at the Robert H. Jackson Center. OBSERVER Photo by Scott Kindberg
He then served as the pitching coach at Canisius University from 2011-2014, helping the Golden Griffins win the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament championship in 2013 and claim the 2014 MAAC regular-season title. Jagoda also worked at Wingate (North Carolina) University as a pitching coach and Patrick Henry CC as head coach where he led the Patriots to a 79-38 record over three seasons, including a 2016 Region X regular-season championship. That same season, he was named the Region X Coach of the Year.
In addition to his time working in professional baseball with the Rays, Jagoda was employed with the Minnesota Twins in player development from 2018-2019.
“Growing up in the area, being a Chautauqua County native, and having played many games here at Diethrick Park, including the 2003 Babe Ruth World Series, there is something special about baseball in this area,” Jagoda said.
Because of his familiarity with America’s pastime in Jamestown, he called returning to manage the Tarp Skunks a “full-circle moment.”
“The area, the (Jamestown CC) campus and baseball in Chautauqua County means a lot to me,” Jagoda said. “I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to lead this group of young men this summer.”
In 2024, the Tarp Skunks finished their PGCBL season 19-25, which was good enough to secure the No. 4 seed in the West Division, but were eliminated by first-place Batavia in the playoffs.
“Our goals are always to compete for a PGCBL championship, but it starts with working hard everyday, not only on the field, but in the clubhouse. That starts with the coaching staff and players, but also extends out into our front office and our entire organization to develop a strong culture. We hope to not only have a group that competes everyday, but are also ambassadors for the community and the Tarp Skunks organization, helping to grow baseball in Chautauqua County.”
NOTES: By any measure, last season was a successful one as the Tarp Skunks’ average attendance was 903 per game, to go along with significant increases in both merchandise sales and concession revenue. … Musician and singer/songwriter Ken Hardley, who is credited with creating the Tarp Skunks’ theme song, was presented a commemorative jersey by Greg Peterson, a member of Jamestown Community Baseball LLC board of directors. … Also in attendance at the “meet the manager” event was George Carlo, a JCB board member, who introduced Anthony Barone, the manager of the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association of Professional Baseball. Barone, a former manager of the PGCBL team in Jamestown, led the team to the league title in 2018. … Randy Anderson, also a JCB board member and the president of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, reminded those in attendance of the “Whiffy Fund,” which allows for individuals, groups and non-profit organizations to attend a Tarp Skunks game free of charge. In its second year of existence, the fund allowed 2,500 youngsters to see games in 2024. … Finally, Jamestown native Branston Lindquist, who will attend the University of Toledo beginning next fall, was introduced to the crowd. He has already committed to playing for Jagoda and the Tarp Skunks in 2025.
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