And he’ll be a familiar face to regular denizens of Ross Wells Park.
The Express announced earlier this week that former outfielder Eric Marriott will officially take over the reins of the team after suiting up for the local squad the past two seasons.
Marriott was originally slated to take over from former coach Rich Sorensen during the 2020 campaign, but that plan was naturally shelved when the WCBL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marriott, 24, debuted for the Express in 2018 and quickly drew attention as the team’s starting centerfielder with his Kevin Pillar-esque play. He’d end up winning his first team Gold Glove that year and would again claim the honour in 2019.
At the plate, the Niagara Falls, Ont. native had a solid rookie campaign, putting together the third-best batting average on the team at .288 to go along with two home runs and 12 runs batted in along with a team-high 18 stolen bases in 42 games.
Marriott would end up taking home the Miller Express Fan Favourite award at the end of the season.
In 2019, Marriott hit .217 in 47 games, knocking in 17 runs and stealing another 21 bases. He picked up his second team Gold Glove in as many seasons in the process.
Marriott holds a bachelor of science degree in sports and fitness management from Mitchell College.
The Miller Express open the 2021 WCBL season on May 28, when they host the Medicine Hat Mavericks at Ross Wells.
For the latest information on the local squad, be sure to keep an eye on their website and on Facebook and Twitter.
