Greenville, NC — The Greenville Yard Gnomes are excited to announce their coaching staff for the 2025 season in the Coastal Plain League, featuring three returning coaches: Field Manager Jack Schaffer, Bench Coach Jorge Ramirez, and Pitching Coach Ty Carter, as well as new Pitching Analyst Kyler Harris.
Jack Schaffer returns to the Yard Gnomes for his second season as Field Manager. Schaffer is currently in his second year as an assistant coach at Wallace Dothan Community College, where he serves as recruiting coordinator and coaches the outfielders, catchers and hitters. Before joining the Yard Gnomes, Schaffer spent time as a graduate assistant at Georgia State University, contributing to the program in all aspects.
Schaffer also brings valuable summer league experience, having coached in the Northwoods League for two seasons. In 2022, he was an Assistant Coach/Intern with the Willmar Stingers, and in 2023, he served as an Assistant Coach for the Bismarck Larks, earning Coach of the Year honors.
“I am extremely excited to return for year two with the Yard Gnomes,” Schaffer said. “I look forward to building on the successes of last year’s team and continuing to help these young men develop on and off the field.”
Jorge Ramirez will return for his second summer as Bench Coach with the Yard Gnomes. Ramirez is the Associate Head Coach at UA-Rich Mountain, where he works with hitters and catchers and handles recruiting duties for the Bucks. Ramirez, a former player at SJR State CC, Wallace Dothan CC, FIU and Rollins College, brings valuable experience to the dugout.
Schaffer expressed his excitement about Ramirez’s return, saying, “His work ethic and ability to form relationships with each player were evident last summer. Having him back in the dugout will be a huge asset for the Yard Gnomes this year.”
Ty Carter, a Knoxville, Tennessee native, will return as Pitching Coach after serving as the pitching analyst during the Yard Gnomes’ inaugural season. Carter, who played two years at Roane State CC and one at Johnson University, has transitioned to coaching at Johnson University, where he is the bullpen coach, camp director and assists with recruiting and community outreach.
Schaffer noted, “I am thrilled that Ty Carter will be returning to the Yard Gnomes. His ability to prepare pitchers mentally and physically will be a huge asset to the team.”
Kyler Harris will join the Yard Gnomes as Pitching Analyst for the 2025 season. Harris, a native of Colwich, Kansas, is currently a pitching instructor with Next Level Training in Greenville. He has previous experience as pitching coach and strength and conditioning coach at Camp CC in Franklin, Virginia, where the pitching staff set a program record for ERA and WHIP and won the Region 10 Championship en route to the 2024 NJCAA D3 World Series.
Schaffer added, “I’m excited to add Kyler to the staff this summer. His experience at both the JUCO and summer collegiate levels will be a strong asset for us.”
The Yard Gnomes are gearing up for their second season in the Coastal Plain League, with Opening Day set for Friday, May 23, 2025. Season tickets are on sale now. Fans are encouraged to follow the Yard Gnomes on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more updates.