Winter Park Unveils 2026 Diamond Dawgs Staff
Head Coach: Jim Newlin
Winter Park Diamond Dawgs' head coach, Jim Newlin, enters his fourth consecutive season at the helm, bringing with him a decade of coaching experience in the Florida Collegiate Summer League. Before becoming head coach, Newlin spent seven seasons as an assistant under former manager Chuck Schall, helping to establish the Diamond Dawgs as one of the league's premier teams in the FCSL. In 2019, Newlin helped guide Winter Park to the top of the league, capturing the FCSL championship title.
Newlin's baseball résumé extends far beyond the summer collegiate ranks. As a former relief pitcher for the Wichita State Shockers, he was part of the program's historic 1989 College World Series championship team. Following his collegiate career, Newlin was selected in the 12th round of the MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners and went on to play eight seasons in the minor leagues. Today, he continues to develop young talent as a member of the coaching staff at Rollins College, serving as an assistant coach for the varsity baseball team and head coach of the junior varsity program.
Assistant Coaches: Mike Baio and Brandon Burgess
Mike Baio will serve as the assistant coach under Diamond Dawgs' manager Jim Newlin this summer. Baio played collegiate baseball at Florida Institute of Technology and brings 15 years of high school coaching experience to the staff. Entering his fifth season coaching in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, Baio looks to bring energy and passion to the Diamond Dawgs dugout while helping players grow both on and off the field. One of Mike's favorite baseball memories came in 2006 when he won the 17U Perfect Game WWBA Championship with Chet Lemon's Juice. His experience and enthusiasm for the game make him a valuable addition to the Diamond Dawgs coaching staff this season.
Brandon Burgess returns for his third season with the Dawgs as an assistant coach this summer. In addition to his role with the Dawgs, Brandon serves as the Director of Video and Scouting for UCF Knights baseball.
Burgess will miss the opening games of the Dawgs season as he joins UCF Knights baseball for NCAA Regional play.
General Manager: Natalie Kelly
Natalie Kelly will serve as the General Manager for the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs this summer. Natalie is currently pursuing her master's degree in sports management at Florida State University while continuing to build her experience in athletics and team operations. Outside of sports, Natalie enjoys working out and going for runs in her free time. This summer, she is looking forward to gaining valuable hands-on experience in the sports industry while building strong relationships with everyone involved in the Diamond Dawgs organization.
Team Operations: Jordan Gara and Kinsley Catarineau
Jordan Gara will serve as the team operations intern for the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs this summer. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Gara is currently studying finance at the University of Central Florida. A passionate South Florida sports fan, he enjoys spending time with friends and staying connected to the sports world. This summer, Jordan is looking forward to gaining valuable hands-on experience and taking the first steps toward building a career in the sports industry. He is excited for the opportunity to work alongside others who share similar goals and passions while learning about the day-to-day operations of a baseball organization.
Kinsley Catarineau will serve as one of the Team Operations interns for the Diamond Dawgs this summer. Originally from the Florida Keys, Kinsley is currently studying Journalism with a minor in Sports Business Management. Through this internship, Kinsley hopes to gain valuable real-world experience in sports media while learning more about the behind-the-scenes operations of a collegiate summer league organization. She is also looking to strengthen her communication skills and build connections within the sports industry as she pursues a future career in sports and entertainment media.
Social Media Intern: Sydney Cline
Meet Sydney Cline, the Diamond Dawgs' social media coordinator for the summer! Sydney is currently a softball player at Saint Leo University and brings a passion for both athletics and digital media to the team.
In addition to her love for softball, Sydney enjoys creating content and working in social media. This summer, she hopes to fully immerse herself in the Diamond Dawgs organization by showcasing all aspects of the game both on and off the field while helping fans stay connected with the team throughout the season.
Team Communications Intern: Justin Baltes
The Winter Park Diamond Dawgs communications intern this summer is Justin Baltes. Originally from Lake Zurich IL, Baltes is currently studying journalism at the University of Central Florida. Outside of sports media, he enjoys fishing and squeezing in a round of golf — preferably one where no houses are in danger. Justin is especially excited to gain hands-on experience in the broadcast booth this summer as he continues pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. His long-term dream is to work for the Chicago Cubs and one day become a play-by-play announcer for the organization.
Justin Baltes (University of Central Florida)