Carnahan steps down as Swift Current 57's head coach

Swift Current 57’s head coach/general manager Joe Carnahan has stepped down from his duo roles with the Western Canadian Baseball League club. Photo: WCBL

September 22, 2020

Official Western Canadian Baseball League Press Release

The Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) would like to congratulate Swift Current 57’s head coach and general manager Joe Carnahan on his remarkable career with the team.

Carnahan, who informed the team he would not be returning in 2021, had spent 20 seasons with the organization.

In seven seasons as a player, Carnahan was named the Western Major Baseball League most valuable player twice (2002 and 2004), the WMBL playoff MVP twice (2001 and 2005) and a WMBL All Star five times (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007). He was also part of three WMBL Champion teams (2001, 2005 and 2006).

Carnahan started his transition to coaching during the 2005 season, as he became pitching coach while playing. After the legendary Harv Martinez stepped aside following the 2007 season, Carnahan took over and helped guide Swift Current to three championship seasons (2010, 2016 and 2017). In his 12 seasons as the team’s bench boss, Carnahan was recognized as WMBL Coach of the Year four times.

“Now is the right time for me to step away,” Carnahan said. “I would like to thank all the people that have been involved over the years with the Swift Current 57’s organization. I truly enjoyed my time with the organization as a player and a coach. Most of all though, I am grateful for all the relationships I have had the opportunity to gain with people here in Swift Current and across all of North America.”

“It is sad to see the 57’s lose such a long standing and successful coach known throughout the league,” WCBL President Kevin Kvame added. “His knowledge of baseball and commitment to the 57’s and our league has been evident in this tenure with the 57’s. He will be missed within the league but especially by the 57’s and Swift Current community. We wish Joe all the best in his future endeavors.”

The search for Carnahan’s replacement will begin immediately.