As we gear up for another thrilling season of Bluefield Ridge Runner baseball, we are excited to introduce and welcome back several incredible members to our team. From a returning manager to new coaching staff additions, the Ridge Runners are set to take the field with a wealth of talent and experience. Please join us in welcoming Drew Dosch back as the team’s manager for 2025, along with new athletic trainer Alexa Ferris, returning coach Jerry Greeley, hitting coach Jordan Hollins and pitching coach Justin Thomas.
Drew Dosch returns as manager for 2025
We are pleased to announce that Dosch will return as Bluefield's manager for the 2025 season! Under Dosch’s leadership in 2024, the Ridge Runners saw the highest attendance since the Appalachian League was re-established, drawing 20,798 fans across 24 home games. His leadership was key in guiding the team to success, with four players earning Appalachian League All-Star selections, and Noah Smith being named to the Postseason All-Appy Team.
Newly appointed general manager Garrett Schilling expressed his enthusiasm for Dosch’s return, stating "the Bluefield Ridge Runners are thrilled to have Drew leading our team again this season. His extensive experience as a player and coach will be invaluable to both the organization and the league’s rising talent."
Dosch’s background includes:
- Selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh round of the 2013 MLB Draft
- Five Minor League seasons (.278 AVG, 32 HR, 119 doubles)
- Three-time MiLB All-Star (Delmarva, Frederick, Norfolk)
- Two-time MiLB.com Organizational All-Star (Orioles)
- Inducted into the Youngstown State Athletic Hall of Fame (2024)
- Former head coach at Canal Winchester High School (Ohio), with a 50-29 record and Ohio Capital Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2022
Reflecting on his return, Dosch shared, "The impact that collegiate summer baseball had on my career was astronomical, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with the next generation of players as they develop their skills in the Appy League."
Dosch resides in Canal Winchester, Ohio, with his wife, Carly, and daughter, Quinn.
Welcome back pitching coach Justin Thomas: Building on a strong foundation
We’re also excited to welcome back Thomas as pitching coach for his second season with the Bluefield Ridge Runners. Justin brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for developing pitchers at all levels. His coaching journey includes stints at Bethany College, Voorhees College and his current role as the pitching coach at Jackson State. In addition, Justin has worked with the West Virginia Black Bears and the Elizabethton River Riders in the Appalachian League, providing him with extensive experience in guiding pitchers through the competitive environment of the league.
His dedication to developing young talent and his wealth of experience in both college and professional baseball make Justin an invaluable asset to the Ridge Runners’ coaching staff. We’re excited to see how his leadership will continue to shape the team’s pitching staff in 2025, helping them grow and succeed at every level.
Welcome back coach Jerry Greeley: A veteran leader for the Ridge Runners
We’re thrilled to welcome coach Jerry Greeley back for his fourth season with the Ridge Runners. With a 20-year career in professional baseball, including eight seasons with the Baltimore Orioles organization, coach Greeley has a deep connection to Bluefield.
He was part of the coaching staff for the 1997 Appalachian League championship team and has also coached with the Cincinnati Reds organization and the Trenton Thunder in the MLB Draft League. Off the field, Greeley has dedicated 34 years to coaching college baseball and teaching special education, and he is currently the head coach at King’s College in Pennsylvania.
We look forward to his continued leadership and guidance this season.
Introducing hitting coach Jordan Hollins: A powerhouse addition to the staff
We’re excited to welcome Jordan Hollins as the Ridge Runners’ hitting coach. Jordan brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and a coach. His impressive background includes:
- Georgia High School Gatorade Player of the Year runner-up
- 2x JUCO National Champion
- Led the MLB Draft League in batting average, home runs and triples
- Played professionally with the Glacier Rangeriders
Beyond his playing career, Jordan is the owner of ATL Metro RBI Organization, where he serves as the head hitting instructor working with more than 250 kids from amateur to professional levels. His coaching mentors include Jeff Manto (Orioles), Alonzo Powell (Angels) and Bert Strane (Rays).
Jordan’s experience and dedication to developing hitters make him an invaluable addition to the Ridge Runners coaching staff.
Welcome Alexa Ferris: Our new Athletic trainer
We are excited to welcome Alexa Ferris to the Ridge Runner family for her first season as our athletic trainer. Alexa is a certified athletic trainer with two years of experience and currently works at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, N.Y. She earned her B.S. and M.S. in athletic training with a minor in sports psychology from East Stroudsburg University.
Alexa is eager to apply her knowledge to help the Ridge Runners stay healthy, both physically and mentally. With her expertise in sports psychology, she will be an invaluable asset in helping our athletes stay in peak condition and develop mental resilience throughout the season.
Currently residing in Suffern, N.Y., Alexa looks forward to supporting the Ridge Runners and expanding her baseball experience.
What they bring to the team
Because of Dosch’s dedication to team operations and behind-the-scenes coordination, Bluefield Ridge Runners are ready for an exciting and successful season. With Alexa’s expertise in athletic training, Greeley’s leadership and experience, Hollins’ dynamic hitting coaching and Thomas’ strategic approach to developing pitchers, the Ridge Runners are ready for an exciting and successful season.
Together, this talented coaching staff is poised to help the Ridge Runners reach new heights in 2025, developing players, fostering teamwork and ensuring the team remains competitive and strong throughout the season. Here’s to another exciting season of Bluefield Ridge Runner baseball, full of growth, success and unforgettable moments!
