The Kelowna Falcons have announced the hiring of former Major League catcher Gregg Zaun as their new head coach, bringing a seasoned but somewhat controversial figure to the team’s helm.
The move gives the collegiate summer baseball team a leader with a lengthy professional resume, including a World Series title.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity that the Nonis Family has given me to lead the Falcons,” Zaun said in a media release. Falcons fans are going to see a very exciting brand of baseball at Elks Stadium next summer. We will put in the work, play with a high level of energy and give our fans a lot to cheer about.”
Zaun’s career spanned 16 seasons in the major leagues, from 1995 to 2010.
Over more than 1,200 games, he played for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Tampa Bay Rays.
Canadian baseball fans will remember his five-year stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. A career highlight came in 1997 when he helped the Florida Marlins win the World Series.
Following his playing career, Zaun transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a prominent baseball analyst for Sportsnet in Canada.
However, his time in media ended abruptly in 2017 when he was fired following allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct.
According to reports at the time, his termination was due to “inappropriate behaviour and comments” directed at female colleagues. Sportsnet clarified that the allegations did not involve physical or sexual assault.
The appointment marks Zaun’s return to a prominent role in Canadian baseball.
Joining Zaun in the Falcons dugout next summer will be Graig Merritt who has West Coast League experience with the Victoria Harbourcats from 2015-2016.
He led his club to a record setting 19-game winning streak and finished the 2016 season at 40-14 and was named the WCL Coach of the Year.
