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Leyland Captains Cannon Ballers Field Staff in 2023 Alongside New, Returning Faces

January 31, 2023

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – The Chicago White Sox announced their player development staff for the 2023 season on Tuesday, designating Patrick Leyland as the manager for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in 2023. Leyland’s supporting cast for the 2023 season consists of one returning name and a trio of new faces to

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – The Chicago White Sox announced their player development staff for the 2023 season on Tuesday, designating Patrick Leyland as the manager for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in 2023.

Leyland’s supporting cast for the 2023 season consists of one returning name and a trio of new faces to Cannon City for the third season of action at Atrium Health Ballpark.

Listed below is the entire 2023 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers field staff:

Manager: Patrick Leyland

Hitting Coach: Charlie Romero

Pitching Coach: Blake Hickman

Trainer: AJ Smith

Performance Coach: Juan Maldonado

Making his return to Kannapolis for his second season as a member of the field staff, Leyland will lead the Cannon Ballers in his fourth season overall within the White Sox organization. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native managed the Arizona Complex League White Sox in 2022, leading the young team to an overall 26-28 record. Before joining Chicago’s system, Leyland was a development coach at Class-A Delmarva in the Orioles organization. As a player, Leyland, the son of legendary MLB manager Jim Leyland, was a 10th round selection by the Detroit Tigers in 2010.

Romero returns to Kannapolis for his second season as Cannon Ballers hitting coach, serving in the same role in 2021. The La Romana, Dominican Republic native is well loved within the organization, and is known for his expert knowledge in developing young offensive talent. Before joining the staff in Kannapolis, Romero served as the assistant hitting coach in 2019 with the Dominican Summer League White Sox, coaching in his native country. Prior to becoming a coach, Romero played for six years in the minor leagues within the Blue Jays and Angels organizations.

Hickman joins the staff in Cannon City as pitching coach with a great resume within the White Sox organization. Making his professional coaching debut with the role of pitching coach for Kannapolis in 2023, Hickman is no stranger to the area. The former right-handed pitcher appeared in 17 games in 2017 for Kannapolis after graduating from both the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program and Simeon Career Academy in Chicago.

Smith and Maldonado both make their first appearances in Kannapolis in 2023, with Maldonado joining the White Sox organization after a year spent with the ACL Dodgers in 2022.

For the most up-to-date information regarding all things Cannon Ballers, fans can keep up with the team on social media, or as an email insider to receive exclusive updates and news. 2023 season tickets and a limited number of 10-Game mini plans are available by calling the Cannon Ballers at (704) 932-3267, or by visiting kcballers.com. Individual tickets for the 2023 season will be released shortly on a date to be announced