COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – Ursinus Baseball head coach Kyle Lindsay announced recent updates to his coaching staff prior to the start of the 2025 season.
 

Lindsay will once again be assisted by Chris Threadgill and Alex Crim with the additions of Rod Johnson, Joe Valenti, Rick Harrison, and former MLB manager Fredi González.
 

Johnson a former assistant coach for eight seasons at Cabrini University and had previously served as the senior assistant coach at Villanova University for 13 seasons. A former All-American infielder at Temple, Johnson helped lead the Owls to the College World Series in 1977. He hit .399 in his career, was named a second team All-American, ECC Player of the Year, and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1979. Coach Johnson will be the Bears Infield and Third Base Coach.
 

"Coach Johnson bring a wealth of experience to our program, serving as a head coach, assistant coach, and mentor over the years. His presence on our staff has been nothing short of tremendous and adding someone like Rod, who is in the PA Legion Hall of Fame and has spent the last 20 years as one of the finest infield coaches I've ever had the privilege of knowing and working alongside, elevates our team to a new level."
 

Valenti joins Lindsay's staff and will work directly with Pitching Coach Chris Threadgill and gain the responsibilities as the Bears Head of Pitching Development. A 2023 graduate of Misericordia University, Valenti and the Cougars won the DIII National Championship last season, and he was named a Second Team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Throughout his career, Valenti totaled a 24-8 record, 283 innings pitched, and a 3.47 ERA. He is the all-time leader in innings pitched and ranks second all-time at Misericordia with 206 strikeouts.
 

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Valenti to our staff following his unbelievable career at Misericordia. Having recruited Joe to Misericordia in 2019, I have followed his progress closely over the years and even had the privilege of coaching against him on a few occasions. Joe is not only one of the fiercest competitors, but also one of the best pure pitchers I have seen at this level. His experience and competitive edge will bring tremendous value to our program."
 

In addition, Coach Harrison spent a total of 16 years as the Head Coach of Spring-Ford and Oley Valley High Schools. Totaling a record of 222-93, Harrison won the 2021 PAC Championship and 2013 Berks County Championship, while earning the Coach of the Year award in each of those seasons. With a proven track record of success at both the high school and American Legion levels, Coach Harrison will play a vital role in the daily development of the Bears offense and outfield defense.
 

"Coach Harrison possesses a deep understanding of the local high school baseball landscape, which will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our program. We are equally thrilled to have him take on the role of Recruiting Coordinator, where his knowledge and connections will be a tremendous asset moving forward."
 

Lastly, González a former MLB manager for the Atlanta Braves (2011-2016) and Florida Marlins (2007-2010) joins the Bears staff as the Bench Coach. He has amassed 710 career wins between the two stops and had previously served as the Bench Coach for the Baltimore Orioles since the 2022 season. Prior to coaching, González was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 1982 amateur draft and spent six seasons as a catcher in the Yankees Farm system.
 

"Fredi brings over 25 years of experience at the Major League level to our program, which will be invaluable to our team's success. As a Bench Coach, Fredi will bring his wealth of knowledge to both sides of the ball and will be a key contributor to our program's development. His leadership and expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our team."
 

The Bears will open their season on Saturday, February 22nd as they square off against Hood College at noon from Fairfax, Virginia.