KINSTON, North Carolina (November 8, 2024) - The Down East Bird Dawgs, along with the Frontier League, an MLB Partner League, are excited to announce the hiring of Brett Wellman as the team's first Field Manager!

Wellman, a North Carolina native, played three seasons (2014-16) as a catcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Prior to his professional career, Wellman played two seasons at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama before transferring to Auburn University at Montgomery for his junior and senior seasons.

In 2017, Wellman served as a minor league coach for AA Chattanooga.

In 2020, Wellman managed the Amarillo Sod Poodles, a team in the Texas Collegiate League, ultimately leading them to a league best record and playoff berth with 10 players going on to play professional baseball. Wellman has also spent time managing in the Power Summer Collegiate League in Palm Springs California. In the offseason, Wellman is a hitting and catching instructor at Top Prospects Academy in Southlake, TX.

"We are excited to have Brett join the Bird Dawgs for our inaugural season," said Shari Massengill, General Manager of the Down East Bird Dawgs. "Brett brings an impressive resume with many connections in the baseball world, which will help us build a talented roster in 2025."

Wellman was born into a family with deep roots in professional baseball, thanks to his father, Phillip Wellman, who boasts over 40 years of experience in the sport. Wellman, along with his wife Austin, currently reside in Denton, TX but look forward to spending time in Kinston throughout the 2025 season.