Matt Schaeffer selected as Rebels Head Coach for 2019

The defending Valley Baseball League champion New Market Rebels are pleased to announce that Matt Schaeffer, assistant coach at South Florida State College, will join the Rebels as head coach for the 2019 season.

“We are very happy that Matt Schaeffer has agreed to be our field general for the Rebels’ quest to retain the Jim Lineweaver Trophy,” Rebels president and general manager Bruce Alger said.

“Matt’s achievements at South Florida State College and as head coach and general manager of the Palm Beach Diamond Ducks of the South Florida Collegiate League, in addition to his three years of playing experience at the D-1 level and stellar academic record at Appalachian State University, make us confident that New Market will be a highly competitive entry in the Valley League 2019 campaign.”

In Schaeffer’s first year with South Florida, the Panthers had the most overall wins (27), and most conference wins (13) in a six-year span.

In their 2018 season, the Diamond Ducks went 27-12 to capture first place in the North Division, led the league in numerous offensive and defensive categories, had 14 All-Star selectees, and had three players who earned All-League first team honors.

"First and foremost, I want to thank the New Market Rebels for selecting me to lead the club on the field and in the community this summer,” Schaeffer said in a telephone interview. “The history behind the Valley League and the New Market organization is strong and we'll look to add to that moving forward.” 

"Last year’s team went on an outstanding run to claim the championship. Following up such an achievement is a huge challenge and I look forward to defending that championship effort by matching it with one of our own- both on and off the field."