GREENVILLE, N.C. — Jack Schaffer has been tabbed to return as field manager of the Greenville Yard Gnomes for the 2026 season. Schaffer has led the team during its first two seasons in the Coastal Plain League.
“I cannot wait to see the fans back at Guy Smith Stadium at Ronald Vincent Field for my third summer,” Schaffer said. “I look forward to building on the triumphs and successes of last year’s team and continuing to develop the young men in this program both on and off the field. I also look forward to helping turn the Yard Gnomes brand into one recognized across the state, the Southeast and the country.”
Schaffer guided the Yard Gnomes to a franchise-record 26 wins in 2025, including a strong second-half performance. Over two seasons, the team has compiled a 42-63 record. Under Schaffer’s leadership, Yard Gnomes players and staff have logged more than 400 hours of community outreach and hosted multiple youth baseball camps during the summer.
“We’re thrilled to have Jack back for a third season,” said General Manager John McCormick. “He’s done a tremendous job establishing our program’s standards, and it shows in how hard our teams compete down the stretch each summer. Greenville clearly means a lot to him, and he instills that same pride in his players. We’re excited to see where the 2026 season takes us.”
Greenville saw its first two alumni reach Minor League Baseball during the 2024 season. J.C. Vanek was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball draft, and Todd Kniebbe signed a free-agent deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
The Yard Gnomes have produced four All-Coastal Plain League players: Jack Herring (2024), Aden Howard (2024), Joe Siervo (2024) and Quinn Holt (2025). Schaffer has also served as an assistant coach in the last two CPL All-Star Games, with five of his players earning selections — Herring, Siervo, Jesse Ponce (2025), Jon Howard (2025) and Holt.
Schaffer is in his third year as an assistant coach at Wallace-Dothan Community College, where he also serves as recruiting coordinator. The Govs captured the Alabama Community College Conference championship in 2025.
He also brings summer league experience from two seasons in the Northwoods League. In 2022, Schaffer worked as an assistant coach and intern with the Willmar Stingers, and in 2023, he served as an assistant coach for the Bismarck Larks, earning Coach of the Year honors.
The Yard Gnomes are preparing for their third Coastal Plain League season, which begins in late May 2026. The team’s schedule, ticket plans and player announcements will be released throughout the offseason. Fans can follow the Yard Gnomes on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for updates.