Manager Mike Coombs and his staff have been selected to lead the East in the 2024 All-Star Game. This marks Coombs’ eighth time managing the All-Star game in his illustrious career and back-to-back seasons for the Newport Gulls coaching staff.
Under Coombs’ leadership, the Gulls currently hold first place in the Coastal Division with an impressive 18-11 record, the third best in the NECBL. The team’s offense is thriving, boasting 178 RBIs, the highest in the league, along with 59 doubles, also a league best. Coombs, a four-time NECBL Champion, is positioning the Gulls for another deep postseason run as he aims for his fifth title.
Coombs began his tenure as field manager four games into the 2005 season, leading the team until 2015 and returning for the 2018 season. He was inducted into the Gulls Hall of Fame in 2024. A former catcher and outfielder, Coombs has a rich baseball background, including stints with Seminole Community College, in the Shenandoah Valley Collegiate League, and professionally with the Detroit Tigers. His coaching experience spans high school, collegiate, and professional levels, including roles as a pitching coach at the University of South Florida and with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
Throughout his career, Coombs has led the Gulls to four NECBL titles (2005, 2009, 2012, and 2014), eight regular season division championships, and seven division titles. Under his guidance, the Newport Gulls became the winningest franchise in league history and were ranked as the No. 1 summer collegiate team nationally by Perfect Game USA in 2012. Coombs has also managed seven NECBL All-Star Games and received NECBL Head Coach of the Year honors in both 2006 and 2009.
Catch Manager Mike Coombs and the coaching staff in Bristol on Sunday, July 21st!
