NorthPaws promote pitching coach Jose Bautista to head coach for 2024

Oct 3, 2023 | 5:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops NorthPaws have gone with a familiar face to run the bench for the 2024 West Coast League season.

In a news release issued Tuesday (Oct. 3), the club announced Jose Bautista as its new head coach. Bautista was the team’s pitching coach for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

While Bautista, 59, is not to be confused with the former Blue Jays slugger of the same name, he did spend a decade in the big leagues pitching for five different teams. He retired with a career 32-and-42 record and a 4.62 earned run average.

“I look at this position as being one of a teacher,” said Bautista. “I want to teach the players a little more about the game. It is one to be enjoyed. I am hoping they will improve their strengths like relaxing when they hit.”

“The organization is excited for this promotion,” added General Manager Jenna Forter. “Jose has proven his commitment to our players, our team and to the coaching staff. He shares the values that this team is built on, and his passion for the athletes and their development was our deciding factor in promoting him to head coach. We are looking forward to 2024 and welcoming back local Canadian talent, along with new athletes to add to our roster.”

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Bautista says he has already been contacting players from the 2023 team about their interest in returning for another season.

“I have been coaching for so many years, “he says. “I want our hitters to do just that — hit. No mini bunts. And we have to have fun with it. It is a game after all. I have been in baseball for 45 years. I am going to draw on that experience in order for the NorthPaws and the players to be successful.”

by James Peters

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NorthPaws promote pitching coach Jose Bautista to head coach for 2024

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