MGR & COACHES
Our Manager and Coaching staff brings many years of baseball and sports experience to the game with the mission of developing and molding young players to be successful. It starts with attitude on and off the field. To fully understand the game of baseball you have to know there will be adversity. Its how you set your mind and persevere through it to grow and become a better athlete. We believe in a team mindset with no individuality. Young players deserve opportunity and proper coaching to grow and perform at a higher level.
Franklin Smith
MANAGER
Over 30 years of playing sports including D1 football at ECU. Been involved with travel baseball for 4 seasons and baseball in general for 8 years. 17 years in content creation and marketing for sports. Served in the Marines and brings the Corps values to the game helping guide the youth with a proper mindset and perspective to reach the next level.
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination" Tommy Lasorda
Corey Myers
PITCHING COACH
37 years young and lives in Zebulon NC with his wife and 3 kids. Coach Corey's love for the game of baseball came at a young age where he played all the way through high school in multiple different leagues, such as select, travel, school, and Showcase. He always had dreams and aspirations of playing at the next level, but injuries held him back. That's when he turned to Coaching. Coach Corey has been coaching in many different leagues such as Rec, Travel, and High School since 2006. He strives to connect students/kids to the game in a way they long to be on the diamond every chance they get, while teaching them life lessons that the student/kid will hold near and dear to their hearts forever.
"The power of an example is greater than the power of an explanation" Corey Myers
Mike Wokulich
Assistant Coach
Coach "Wo" and his family just moved to Wendell from York, PA. He was a 4 year starter in the outfield for Division II Millersville University from 1998-2002 where he earned all-conference and regional accolades in 3 out of his 4 years. After his playing days were over, he spent a year at Millersville University as a volunteer assistant and then went on to be assistant coach at West Chester University until 2006. He played semi-pro in the Susquehanna League in York, PA for 15 years, where he was just inducted into their Hall of Fame this past winter. He has coached baseball at all levels, and was President of the local rec organization and started his own travel organization called Central York Claw which fielded teams from 8U through 14U. Coach Wo also was the head coach at Central York High School for 3 seasons. He is employed as an account manager for The Macomb Group in Garner.
"Desire is made from within, is it within you to bring out that desire?"
Will Kelley
FIELDING COACH
Coach Will has played baseball his entire life up to the college level. He has been coaching baseball since 2005 and on the varsity level since 2008. He has coached Rec, Raleigh Christian Academy, and this year coached varsity baseball at Southside Christian. This year he was able to take Southside Christian to the State Semifinals. He is a teacher and a Youth Pastor in the Clayton area.
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." Tim Notke
Hayden Liggins
Assistant Coach
Played baseball since the age of 4 years old shaping him into he is today. Years of hard work and dedication led him to play at the college level, playing at Barton College. Continues to grow as an athlete and a student. Currently studying Health and Fitness Science with the goal of becoming a strength and conditioning coach. Focused on combining his passion for baseball and health to help athletes reach their peak performance.
"No matter what you have achieved or accomplished, keep pushing to get better. Don't let good enough be good enough." Kris Bryant
CONTACT
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Yard Goats Manager Franklin Smith.
Tel: 919-440-1805 Email: JOCOYardGoats@yahoo.com
