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After undergoing a third search for a manager in as many offseasons, the Medford Rogues announced a local hire for the third time in program history Monday in Grant Pass native Kevin Olmstead.

 

Olmstead, who currently serves as an assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at Oregon Tech, takes over for Nate Esposito after only one season at the helm of the Rogues. He will be the program's fourth manager in four seasons in 2025.

A North Valley High graduate, Olmstead guided the Grants Pass Nuggets in American Legion AAA play last summer and will be making his debut as a collegiate wood-bat summer league head coach this coming season.

 

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to be the head coach of the Rogues,” Olmstead said in a release announcing his hiring. “Being from southern Oregon, it’s a dream come true that I get the privilege to help make an impact in our local southern Oregon community.”

 

“I can’t wait to get started with the Rogues family and instill the championship culture they have created,” he added.

 

Olmstead takes over a Medford program that accumulated a 27-20 record and finished fourth during the inaugural season of the Pacific Empire League, which concluded with the Healdsburg Prune Packers topping the Lincoln Potters in the championship series.

 

Rogues general manager Jeff Weiss led the coaching search as the franchise enters its 13th summer season and seeks to build on its affiliation within the PEL.

 

“Coach Olmstead understands the importance of connecting with our community,” Weiss said in the news release. “We believe his leadership will not only develop our athletes but also strengthen our ties with local fans and organizations. Kevin’s vision and energy will help shape a competitive and enjoyable experience for all involved.”

 

Olmstead guided the Nuggets to a fifth-place finish in Area 4 play last summer but Grants Pass was able to reach a play-in game for the state tournament due to league-champion Eugene’s status as the tournament host. Grants Pass won in a play-in before losing in the first round and then snapping a six-game losing streak to the Medford Mustangs in a 6-5 Day 2 elimination contest. The Nuggets were eliminated with a loss in the ensuing round of play.

 

Olmstead is in his fifth season as an assistant coach at Oregon Tech after two seasons in a similar role at Lassen Community College.

 

At the end of last season, Esposito accepted a staff position with Cal State Northridge and became unable to continue his duties in Medford. The Granite Bay, California, native had replaced Parker Berberet, who served one season as manager after three years as an assistant coach to Ashland native Bill Rowe.

 

Esposito was the fourth former Beaver at the reins in six years for the Rogues following Tyler Graham (2018), Rowe (2020-22) and Berberet (2023).