Grand Junction Jackalopes Welcome Frank Gonzales as New Manager

Frank Gonzales, a familiar name in Grand Junction baseball, is set to take the helm of the Grand Junction Jackalopes for the upcoming season. His return is already generating excitement, with a renewed focus on strengthening ties between the team and the community.

A Homecoming for Frank Gonzales

Gonzales is no stranger to Grand Junction, having previously managed the Grand Junction Rockies from 2016 to 2017. Now, he’s back, and his enthusiasm for the city and its baseball culture is palpable.

“I’m excited about being back in Grand Junction, number one. It’s a great, great community for baseball. The fans here are awesome. The community is great. I feel like I’m back home,” Gonzales said in a recent statement. His passion for the sport and his connection to the city are evident as he begins planning for the season.

This isn’t just a professional role for Gonzales; it’s personal. His history with the area gives him a unique understanding of the city’s baseball culture and its potential.

Frank Gonzales baseball team interaction

Building Bridges with the Community

For Gonzales, the future of the Jackalopes lies not just in their performance on the field but also in fostering deeper connections with the Grand Junction community. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for local residents to engage with the team in meaningful ways.

His plans include inviting Little League teams, school groups, and families to get involved. “We want organizations to feel comfortable to come out and support their team at the end of the day,” Gonzales explained.

One of his most ambitious ideas involves giving fans and kids unprecedented access to the team:

Allowing children to be on the field during batting practice.
Hosting special events where kids and families can interact with players and coaches.
Organizing post-game activities like running the bases with team members.

These initiatives aim to transform the Jackalopes into more than just a baseball team—they’re striving to become a central part of Grand Junction’s community fabric.

Players as Role Models

Gonzales isn’t the only one eager to connect with the local community. According to him, the players are equally enthusiastic about stepping up as mentors and role models for young fans.

“At the end of the day, just being part of the game and being part of any opportunity to get on the field with our players running the bases after a ball game is a big thing,” Gonzales said. He believes that this hands-on approach will leave a lasting impact, especially on kids aspiring to play baseball.

Such initiatives highlight the team’s commitment to making baseball more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. By fostering these connections, Gonzales and the Jackalopes hope to inspire the next generation of athletes and fans alike.