Yankees name James Cooper as Tampa Tarpons’ next Manager
TAMPA, FL – The New York Yankees have announced the Tampa Tarpons’ 2024 coaching staff, led by new manager James Cooper. The 41-year-old skipper replaces Rachel Balkovec, who joined the Miami Marlins this offseason as their Director of Player Development. Cooper enters his third season in the Yankees organization and
TAMPA, FL – The New York Yankees have announced the Tampa Tarpons’ 2024 coaching staff, led by new manager James Cooper. The 41-year-old skipper replaces Rachel Balkovec, who joined the Miami Marlins this offseason as their Director of Player Development.
Cooper enters his third season in the Yankees organization and his first as manager of the Tampa Tarpons. He made his professional coaching debut with the FCL Yankees as a defensive coach in 2022 and was named manager for the 2023 campaign. Last season under Cooper, the FCL Yankees found success at the plate, finishing first in the FCL in runs, hits, triples, RBIs, AVG, OBP, SLG%, and OPS. In addition, the team finished top 3 in homeruns and stolen bases. Following a championship season in 2022, the FCL Yankees made it back to the championship but fell to the FCL Braves in a best-of-three series.
Before joining the Yankees, Cooper previously served as the head baseball coach at Gramling State University (La.) for 12 seasons between 2010-2021. He led the Tigers to a SWAC championship in his first season as head coach and was named Southwestern Athletic Conference “Baseball Coach of the Year” in 2010 & 2017. Cooper attended Grambling State as student and was named Second-Team All-SWAC and earned First-Team All-SWAC honors as a senior. He was also involved as an assistant coach at USA Baseball’s National Team Development Program from 2018-2021, coaching both the 16U and 18U teams.
The Houston Astros selected Cooper in the 33rd round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft and played 103 games over two minor league seasons for the organization. During his two years with the Tri-City ValleyCats, Cooper batted .249 (79-for-317) with 3 HR and 43 RBIs. He also played a season with the Sussex Skyhawks of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball in 2006.
Announcing the 2024 coaching staffs for our full-season Minor League affiliates: pic.twitter.com/rK3AA8yPBe
— NYYPlayerDev (@NYYPlayerDev) January 26, 2024
The Tarpons’ Affiliate Coaching and Support Staff will return three members from last year’s campaign: Michel Hernandez (Defensive Coach), Jordan Gosztola (Athletic Training) and Michael Pascento (Clubhouse Manager).
New additions to the Tarpons’ staff in 2024 includes: Preston Claiborne (Pitching Coach), Tom DeAngelis (Hitting Coach), Antonio Pacheco (Defensive Coach), Esteban Morales (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Dominic Coz (Video Assistant) and Michael Helton (Advanced Scouting Analyst).
Tarpons tally 21 total runs to sweep doubleheader
TAMPA, Fla – The Tampa Tarpons (17–19) came out firing on all cylinders Wednesday, exploding for 21 runs on 27 hits to complete a dominant doubleheader sweep of the Palm Beach Cardinals (18–18) at “The Tank”. Tampa’s bats were on fire all night, launching five home runs across both games.
Montero goes deep twice, Tarpons crush Cardinals 9-1
TAMPA, Fla – The Tampa Tarpons (15-19) turned in a commanding performance Tuesday night, using timely power and solid pitching to cruise past the visiting Palm Beach Cardinals (18-16) at “The Tank”, 9–1. 2B Hans Montero led the offensive charge for Tampa, launching two homers and driving in four runs.
Tarpons explode for 12 runs to take series finale
TAMPA, Fla. – For the second straight night, the Tampa Tarpons (11-16) lit up the scoreboard with 12 runs, cruising past the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (14-13) in a commanding 12-4 rout at “The Tank”. The win clinched the series for the Tarpons, powered by standout performances from SS Owen
Lewis Leads Tarpons to Victory with Two Homers
TAMPA, Fla. –The Tampa Tarpons (10-16) unleashed an offensive onslaught at “The Tank” on Saturday, overpowering the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (14-12) in a 12-5 victory to even their three-game series. LF Dillon Lewis smashed two home runs and 3B Owen Cobb also left the yard, leading a Tarpons attack
Trouble at “The Tank”, Tarpons fall to Mighty Mussels, 9-2
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons (9-16) hosted the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (14-11) for the first game of their three-game set at “The Tank” on Friday, falling short of the mark in a 9-2 loss. Despite standout performances from 1B Josue Gonzalez and LF Marshall Toole, the Tarpons couldn’t
Blue Jays Outlast Tarpons in Series Finale, 8-5
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons (8-13) mounted a spirited comeback but fell short in an 8-5 loss to the Dunedin Blue Jays (12-9) in the series finale on Sunday at “The Tank”. Despite a three-run rally in the fourth and two more in the seventh, the Tarpons couldn’t overcome
Loáisiga Sharp in Rehab Assignment, Tarpons Fall 5-1
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons (8-12) struggled to find their offensive rhythm on Saturday, falling 5-1 to the Dunedin Blue Jays (11-9) at "The Tank." However, there was a major silver lining: Yankees reliever RHP Jonathan Loáisiga made a successful MLB rehab appearance, breezing through a scoreless sixth inning.
Bauman’s brilliance not enough for Malmo Oat Milkers
TAMPA, Fla. – Despite a valiant effort, the Malmo Oat Milkers (8-11) fell short Friday afternoon, losing 4-2 to the Dunedin Blue Jays (10-9) at “The Tank”. LHP Tanner Bauman put together a great performance on the mound, tossing five no-hit innings before allowing a double in the sixth. He
Herring spins seven scoreless frames, Tarpons win 7-2
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons (8-10) showcased their offensive and defensive prowess in a decisive 7-2 victory over the Dunedin Blue Jays (9-9) on Thursday at “The Tank”. Powered by standout performances from RHP Griffin Herring, LF Dillon Lewis, and 2B Austin Green, the Tarpons dominated early and sealed
Dunedin rallies past Tampa with four-run eighth
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons (7–10) fell just short once again on Wednesday night, dropping a 6–5 heartbreaker to the Dunedin Blue Jays (9–8) at “The Tank”. A late four-run surge in the eighth inning propelled Dunedin to its second consecutive comeback win over Tampa. 2B Hans Montero led
Blue Jays break through late to top Tarpons, 6-3
TAMPA, Fla. – A tightly contested battle slipped away late as the Tampa Tarpons (7-9) fell to the Dunedin Blue Jays (8-8) to open the series Tuesday night at “The Tank”, 6-3. Dunedin used a three-run rally in the top of the eighth inning—fueled by timely hitting and a costly
Tarpons’ late rally falls short, drop finale to Flying Tigers 6-5
By Anthony Sagrestano TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons (2-1) failed to complete the Opening Weekend sweep and fell to the Lakeland Flying Tigers (1-2) on Sunday afternoon at “The Tank”, 6-5. Tampa stormed back from a 5-0 deficit to tie the game in the seventh but couldn't complete the
Tarpons tame Flying Tigers in Extras with Wilson’s Walk-off
TAMPA, Fla. – RF Tyler Wilson played hero as the Tampa Tarpons (2-0) walked-off the Lakeland Flying Tigers (0-2) in extra innings at “The Tank”, 7-6. With two on and two out in the bottom of the tenth, Wilson smashed a fly ball over the head of Lakeland’s Jackson Strong
Herring, Sanchez shine; Tarpons win Opening Night at “the Tank”
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons (1-0) defeated the Lakeland Flying Tigers (0-1) on Opening Night at “The Tank”, 2-1. Tampa’s pitching powered the home team to victory, striking out a combined ten Flying Tigers while allowing just a single run. CF Brian Sanchez collected three hits on the night,
The Tampa Tarpons announce Season-Long Offerings at “The Tank”
TAMPA Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons are thrilled to kick off the 2025 Season Presented by BayCare in their new temporary home, “The Tank”! While the Rays take over the main stadium, the Tarpons will call the side field at GMS Field—nicknamed “The Tank”—home for the season. Despite the change
Tampa Tarpons announce move to Community Field for 2025 Season
Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Tarpons have announced that for the 2025 season, the team will be playing on the Community Field at GMS Field (side field next to the tennis courts). This change is a result of the team offering its main stadium to the Tampa Bay Rays for
Yankees name Aaron Bossi as Tampa Tarpons’ next Manager
TAMPA, FL - The New York Yankees have announced the Tampa Tarpons’ 2025 coaching staff, led by new manager Aaron Bossi. Bossi replaces James Cooper, who will serve as the Hudson Valley Renegades’ manager in 2025. Bossi enters his ninth season in the Yankees organization and his first as manager
Tarpons drop season finale to Blue Jays, 4-2
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons (30-32) dropped their season finale to the Dunedin Blue Jays (35-29) at GMS Field on Sunday afternoon. The Tarpons took the lead in the fifth, but the Blue Jays stormed back for three in the seventh to take the matinée, 4-2. RHP Andrew Landry
Toole’s late blast not enough, Tampa drops extra-inning contest to Dunedin
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons (30-31) dropped an extra-innings thriller on Fan Appreciation Night to the Dunedin Blue Jays (34-29) at GMS Field on Saturday night. The Tarpons entered the ninth trailing by a run, until CF Marshall Toole brought the fireworks show a little early, sending a game-tying
Tarpons left blue after Jays sweep Friday doubleheader
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons (30-30) dropped both games of Friday’s twin bill to the Dunedin Blue Jays (33-29) at GMS Field. The Blue Jays came out firing in Game One, putting up ten runs, including an eight run second. The nightcap was a tight game until Dunedin broke
Tarpons drop opener in extras, suspend nightcap due to weather
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons (30-28) dropped Game One of their doubleheader against the Dunedin Blue Jays (31-29) before the nightcap was rained out. The Blue Jays struck first in the first, and then the game was scoreless until Tampa scored in the fifth and the sixth to take
Tampa Postpones Game Against Dunedin
TAMPA, Fla. - Tonight’s game between the Tampa Tarpons and the Dunedin Blue Jays has been postponed due to lightning and continuous rain fall. The make-up game from tonight will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, September 5th, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:00pm. Game
Tampa Postpones Game Against Dunedin
TAMPA, Fla. - Tonight’s game between the Tampa Tarpons and the Dunedin Blue Jays has been postponed due to rain, lightning and a future forecast of continuous rain fall. The make-up game from tonight will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, September 5th, with the first
Tampa falls to Fort Myers in extra inning battle, 10-8
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons (25-26) dropped a back-and-forth extra inning battle with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (32-18) Sunday afternoon at GMS Field. Tampa took the lead into the eighth, but some sloppy defense pushed the game to extras, where Fort Myers added three in the tenth inning
Tarpons split Saturday doubleheader with Mighty Mussels
TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Tarpons (25-25) split Saturday’s doubleheader with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (31-18) at GMS Field. In Game One, the Tarpons overcame a seven-run deficit to take down the Mighty Mussels, 8-7. SS Roderick Arias (3-for-4, 1R, 1 double, 1HR, 4RBI, 1BB) had a big game,