Fred Ciaglo’s role in the Valley Blue Sox organization is expanding.
The Hadley native will be the team’s new Owner/President, the Blue Sox announced Tuesday.
Ciaglo and his family have hosted players for the collegiate summer baseball team for the last seven years. He has also served as a bench coach for the past four seasons.
The Blue Sox, based in Holyoke, won their first New England Collegiate Baseball League championship last season.
He’ll replace Clark Eckhoff.
“We wish the best to Clark and his family,” Ciaglo said in a statement released by the team. “During their tenure, the Valley Blue Sox won their first championship in franchise history, hosted a successful All-Star Weekend at Mackenzie Stadium, and were very supportive of the growth of both the franchise and the game locally.”
Blue Sox vice president and general manager Hunter Golden will retain his role, along with manager John Raiola and pitching coach Jim Woods, who also coaches the Granby High School varsity baseball team. Former Blue Sox player Hezekiah Randolph will be the team’s hitting coach.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve under Clark.” Golden said. “I’m very excited to see the baton passed to Fred and look forward to seeing things elevated to the next level. He’s a true baseball man through and through and I’ve got every confidence in his ability as the next steward of this franchise.”
Ciaglo teaches sixth grade at Hadley Elementary School. He returned to coaching this winter when he stepped in during midseason to coach the Hopkins Academy girls varsity basketball team.
He played baseball at Springfield College and was involved with the Tri-County League for more than 20 years. Ciaglo also was Hadley Youth Baseball’s coaching coordinator and sat on the Board of Directors for Hadley Cal Ripken Baseball for more than a decade.
“Everything that people have come to know and love about the team — from the people to the day to day — will remain the same,” Ciaglo said. “We’re looking forward to adding more to the fan experience in the coming years, continuing to develop Mackenzie Stadium and keep the ball moving forward. We’ve made progress every year that I’ve been involved with the franchise, and I’m looking forward to continuing that growth and giving fans something new to look for every season.”