Jackalopes name a new manager for the 2025 season

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - The Grand Junction Jackalopes announced on Monday that it has officially signed on a new team manager.

Pioneer League veteran Frank Gonzales has signed to manage the team this 2025 season.

“Managing and coaching is definitely something that’s in my blood, and I love working with young players chasing the dream,” said Gonzales. “It’s my 15th professional coaching season and I can tell you that Grand Junction is one of my favorite places to coach and manage. I’m looking forward to the 2025 season with the Jackalopes!”

Gonzales is from La Junta, Colorado, and spent eight years playing professional baseball, primarily in the Detroit Tigers organization, after graduating from Colorado State University in 1989. He was selected in the 16th round of the 1989 draft.

He finished his minor league pitching career in 1997 and moved into coaching, leading the Colorado State University baseball team from 1999-2005, winning national titles in his final two seasons.

“We’re excited to bring Frank back to Grand Junction, where he managed successfully for two seasons,” said Mike Tollin, owner of the Grand Junction Jackalopes. “He is a lifelong Coloradan, and the consummate baseball ‘skipper’- determined to teach the finer points of the game to young players and at the same time to put an exciting, winning club on the field.”

Gonzales spent the past two seasons managing the Northern Colorado Owlz to a 99-90 record.