What Does The Fox Say? Cape Fear to Hire Ex-Pikeman Fonzarelli as Minor League Hitting Coach (2064-01)

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Cape Fear announced today that it plans to bring an old fan favorite back to the organization, hiring Vasco Fonzarelli as hitting coach for Single-A Eau Claire.

Fonzarelli spent three years suiting up for the Swamp Foxes' previous iteration, the Rockville Pikemen, from 2052-54. During that time, he bounced around the infield, playing first, second, and third base, and even some shortstop. But his position was always just a means to get his bat in the lineup. He was a switch hitter with decent power, hitting a career-high 28 home runs in 2052, and was always known as having a good eye at the plate. It's in these areas where Cape Fear believes he can guide the next generation of talent.

The 37-year-old Fonzarelli will be immediately entrusted with some of Cape Fear's top prospects, with recent first-round pick Ángel Barrera and even-more-recent trade acquisition Daniel Bañuelos set to arrive in A-Ball soon. Cape Fear feels that both of their young hitters could use a seasoned mentor to help them reach their full potential, so they're hoping Fonzarelli is the right man for the job.

When asked if he still has his off-season houseboat, Fonzarelli replied, "Nah, she had some engine troubles, I had to trade 'er in. But I hear Wilmington's a great place for boat owners, so I'll be in the market again if I ever land the big-league job."