Brett Wellman was named Field Manager of the Down East Bird Dawgs in October 2024. The Bird Dawgs are a new professional baseball team in the Frontier League, an MLB Partner League, playing at Historic Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina.

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.

Q&A with Brett

Favorite Baseball Player(s): All the players on the upcoming Bird Dawgs Roster! But, while growing up, it was Yadier Molina and Chipper Jones!

Favorite Movie: Bull Durham

Family: My wife Austin and I currently reside in Denton, TX. I was born into a family with deep roots in professional baseball, thanks to my father, Phillip Wellman, who boasts over 40 years of experience in the sport. My mother, Montee, has been a steadfast presence in my life, providing support and encouragement, along with my sister, Britnee.

Hobbies: In my off time, I like to hunt! My favorite place to hunt is in Sonora, TX.