News

Coming off a red hot season in 2024 that ended with shortcomings in the playoffs the Sanford River Rats enter 2025 with a completely revamped roster—and a brand-new staff of front office interns to match. 

To lead the team from the dugout is Head coach Jesse Litsch. A familiar face in the baseball world, He was the Bat boy for the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays and was drafted in the 24th round of the 2004 MLB draft by the Toronto Blue jays. In His Major League debut Jesse Litsch Pitched a Blue jays record 8 1/3 Innings to take the win. After retiring in 2014 Jesse took his baseball talents global where he coached a middle school and Highschool Development baseball team in China, and most recently coached the Williamsport crosscutters in the MLB Draft league. 

Joining Coach Litsch is another former major leaguer, Nick Goody. As a pitcher he was a 6th round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. He was later traded to the Indians where he found his groove, logging a 2.80 ERA through 54 innings and 72 strikeouts. Together Litsch and Goody bring a wealth of on field experience and baseball IQ--setting the tone for this new generation of River Rats. 

At the wheel for all team logistics and Promotions is Katelynne Sanders. Kate is a former Florida League team operations intern and is no stranger to sports management, she currently is finishing a degree from the University of Florida in sports management and coaches a high school volleyball team in her free time, a testament to her leadership and focus. This marks her first season as GM, and the organization can already feel her impact. 

Supporting Sanders is a dynamic group of Team Operations interns, working to keep the river rats going. Kadence Eaton, Ainsley Watkins, Isabella Ferreira and Cole Merrell lead the gameday experience for Sanford, With a handful of Sports management and Marketing experience via the UCF Athletics Program. Merrell, In particular, will also serve as the team’s data analyst, tracking player trends and performance metric throughout the season.

On the Digital front is Taryn Friend. Taryn joins the group as the new social media manager. In a growing content driven landscape, Friends role will be crucial to marketing our team, showcasing players, and engaging with fans using a fresh voice. 

And in the booth—well, that’s me. Christian Bussiere. As a former player turned award winning broadcaster with nearly a decade a behind the mic I’ll be following the Rat pack all season long. Expect detailed coverage, Backstage baseball information regarding the team, and yes, probably a few too many concession stand hotdogs. 

As the sun rises on a new season, The smell of fresh cut grass and a feeling of anticipation is in the air. The first practices will begin early next week, and with it comes the first true glimpse at the 2025 Sanford River Rats. A team Reenergized and ready to make some noise. 

Christian Bussiere, Daytona State