Bryan/College Station, Texas – April 16, 2018 – The Brazos Valley Bombers are excited to announce the remainder of this season’s coaching staff. Manager Brian Nelson will be assisted by James Dillard, who will act as the team’s pitching coach, Chase Sanford, who will act as the bench coach, and Jake Nash, who will have the role of first base coach for the 2018 Bombers.

Pitching Coach James Dillard is no stranger to Texas Collegiate League play as he has experience as an assistant for the Denton Outlaws, in addition to being the Head Coach of the Woodlands Strykers, leading the Strykers to their first playoff berth in 2016. Coach Dillard has been very successful in the Texas High School baseball ranks as well, experiencing championship levels of success at Magnolia West, Rusk, O’Donnell, Normangee, Waco Reicher, and Navasota High School through his career. Dillard currently serves as the Head Coach for Bryan High School, his first season coaching the team. “Adding Coach Dillard was an absolute no-brainer for us. James brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the staff that I believe will give us a real competitive advantage on the mound this summer,” said Bombers Head Coach Brian Nelson.

Bench Coach Chase Sanford will oversee the defense for the Bombers, as well as work with the bullpen. Coach Sanford is currently the Head Coach for Rudder High School, where he is in his second season after leading Rudder to the playoffs in his first year. Prior to Rudder, Sanford served as the Head Coach at Rosebud Lott High School, where he led the team to the playoffs in 2016. Coach Nelson is very excited to add Coach Sanford to the staff, saying, “When I had the opportunity to add Coach Sanford, I jumped all over it. His strong reputation for developing local talent and his ties to the community can only make the Bombers better.” During his tenor as both a head coach and as an assistant, Sanford has coached multiple players who have gone on to play college baseball, including some who have played with the Bombers.

First Base Coach Jake Nash, comes to Brazos Valley following a strong playing career at Lamar University. Nash currently serves as a Graduate Manager for Lamar, where he coaches several current and former Bomber players. During his playing career, Nash was both strong with the bat and the glove, ranking as the team leader in fielding percentage and consistently ranking in the top five in batting average, hits, RBI, and runs scored. He will look to bring his knowledge to the Bombers, as he will be assisting with the offense as well as helping to make sure the Bombers are strong on the base paths. Coach Nelson also believes that Nash’s energy could provide the Bombers an edge in 2018, “Coach Nash is going to be instrumental in our team’s ability to score runs this summer. Jake had a tenacious, blue-collar attitude as a ball player that will translate well for us this summer. His leadership and energy on the field is a huge plus for our staff.”

To follow all upcoming news and developments for the Brazos Valley Bombers, follow or like us on facebook.com/bvbombers, and follow us on Twitter: @BV_Bombers and Instagram: bvbombersbaseball. A special thanks to our franchise partners Cognizant, Sterling Auto, Jones & Associates, and Baylor Scott & White.

# # #