IBL's Kitchener Panthers name new manager, pitching coach

Matt Schmidt has been named the manager of the Intercounty Baseball League’s Kitchener Panthers. Photo: Kitchener Panthers

*This press release was originally published on the Intercounty Baseball League website on January 24.

Intercounty Baseball League Press Release

KITCHENER - The Kitchener Panthers are pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Schmidt as our new Field Manager. Matt Schmidt replaces Luke Baker, who led the Panthers to the IBL Finals in 2018 and 2019.

Schmidt has IBL experience as both a Player and a Manager. Former Panthers Player, and Field Manager Steve Scagnetti will be the Panthers Pitching Coach, and returning as a coach is Javier Herrera Lanza. Additional Coaches will be announced at a later date.

Panthers GM Mike Boehmer comments, “ We are pleased to welcome Matt Schmidt to the Panthers organization, and to welcome back, Steve Scagnetti. Matt and Steve both bring enthusiasm and knowledge to this role, and we look forward to working with Matt and his coaching staff”.

Matt Schmidt has played in the IBL with the Guelph Royals and the Welland Jackfish. Schmidt was an All Western Athletic Conference First Team All Star at Chicago State University. Schmidt has had coaching experience with McHenry County College, Chicago State University, the Guelph Royals, and the Garden City Wind in the Pecos League

The Panthers are also pleased to announce the return of Steve Scagnetti. Scagnetti came up through the Kitchener Minor Baseball Association and in 1986, Scagnetti joined the Kitchener Dodgers. From 1990 to 1993, Scagnetti pitched for the IBL Champion Kitchener Panthers and the IBL Champion Guelph Royals.

In 1994, Scagnetti traveled to France where he was the Playing Manager for a Semi-Pro Team. Then, in 2000, Scagnetti returned to the Panthers as Pitching Coach, and the Panthers won an IBL Championship. In 2001, Scagnetti managed the Panthers to the IBL Championship. In 2003 and 2004, Scagnetti returned to Guelph and managed the Royals to IBL Championships in both seasons.

In 2013, Scagnetti returned to the Panthers as Pitching Coach. In 2014, Scagnetti was hired as the Panthers Field Manager. In 2016 and 2017 Scagnetti was the Guelph Royals Field Manager and in 2018, the Guelph Royals GM.

Returning as Bench Coach is Javier Herrera Lanza, who did an excellent job last year with the Panthers. Javier is originally from Havana Cuba and has a wealth of baseball knowledge.