08 May New Coaching Staff
Field Manager Albert Gonzalez has finalized his coaching staff for the 2024 season. Gonzalez, a New Jersey native spent last season as the bench coach with the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League where they finished 78-46 en route to the South Division first half title and a postseason appearance.
Gonzalez is joined by pitching coach Joe Testa, a Jackson, New Jersey native who played four seasons from 2008-2012 in the Twins and Nationals organizations. Most recently, he pitched for the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League of professional baseball in 2023 where he finished 9-4 with a 3.93 ERA.
“I’m very lucky to have Joe Testa here with 17 years of professional experience. He brings a bunch of experience to his home state,” stated Gonzalez.
I’m excited to be back in my home state and coaching professional baseball. I’ve been around at different levels and ages so I feel like I can make an immediate impact,” Testa said.
JP Vail, a Stony Point, New York native who played at Virginia Commonwealth University joins as the hitting coach. Following his playing career, Vail has coached at many different levels including elite levels of professional and travel baseball.
“JP has grinded for so long for this professional opportunity and we are lucky to have him on board,” Gonzalez said.
We have a good team and we’re going to look to execute the small things with a team mission. I’ve known Bert and Joe for a while so even though this is new, I feel like I’m already at home,” stated Vail.
Rounding out the staff is bullpen coach Julius Puryear, who returns for his second season with the Jackals and Assistant Hitting Coach Kervin Rivera who has trained high level professional players.
The Jackals open the 2024 season tomorrow at Hinchliffe Stadium against the New York Boulders. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.