Lynn earns managerial position

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Parker Lynn’s coaching resume resembles that of a grizzled veteran.

For a 24-year-old, it’s quite detailed.  

Since beginning his baseball coaching career as a student assistant coach at Cal U in 2016, Lynn has had two assistant coaching gigs at West Liberty University and Salem University. 

He has also served as the head coach of Little River Lagoon in the Beach Collegiate Baseball League and as an assistant coach for the North Adams SteepleCats in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Additionally, Lynn spent three years as a scout for USA Baseball and served as head coach of the Altoona-based U.S. Elite 15U team in 2016.

A Belle Vernon Area and Cal U graduate who now serves as director of baseball operations at Gardner-Webb University, Lynn will add to his already extensive coaching history this summer when he begins his tenure as manager of the Johnstown Mill Rats in the Prospect League, a summer collegiate league operating in six different states. 

Lynn reached an agreement to become the newly established franchise’s first ever manager on Nov. 13. 

“Back in September when I saw the city of Johnstown announce they were bringing a Prospect League team back, I knew that I wanted this position,” Lynn said. “I knew it was something I would be the right fit for.” 

Lynn was the lone candidate interviewed for the position and was named the Mill Rats’ new manager two days after meeting with team owner Bill Davidson.

“It was a no brainer for me,” Lynn said. “I think I’m ready to take the next step in my coaching career to be a manager. I think I’ve been prepared and I’ve been under the right people to feel confident to take that next step.

“To be the first one is always an honor. To be able to set the example and build the close knit relationship with the community and the city of Johnstown, that’s something I’m really looking forward to.” 

Lynn has been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to assemble a roster of collegiate players. 

When he was named manager, only two players were listed on the team’s roster. Since then, Lynn has brought in 18 players. 

Of the 20 players now on the team, there are 12 pitchers and eight position players signed. 

“I’ve literally built this team from scratch. The last two weeks have been the most fun I’ve ever had trying to put together a roster,” Lynn said. “I’ve been on the phone just about every day with any college just trying to put this roster together.” 

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