October 14, 2021
Monsters Unveil New Assistant GM and Field Manager in Oxford, AL
The Choccolocco Monsters, proud members of the Sunbelt Baseball League, are
excited to announce an Assistant General Manager and Field Manager in franchise history.
Diego Wilson will serve as Assistant General Manager for the franchise elevating his role within Ignite Sports and Entertainment and Steve Gillispie will serve as the team’s first Manager.
Wilson is from Lansing, Michigan where he grew up playing hockey with his career taking him across the country from Junior hockey in Richmond, Virginia to Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. It has also allowed him the opportunity to earn his B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Wilson started with Ignite Sports as a VP of Corporate Partnerships with the Columbus River Dragons back in 2019 and now sees his role expand with an administration position with the Choccolocco Monsters.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to work in Oxford and help build up the Monsters, this city has a great vision for the future and the enthusiasm surrounding the new ball team is outstanding” Wilson said. “Joining the SBL, we can help provide a place for collegiate players, particularly local players to develop their skills and advance their goals further. This community is already rallying around this team, and I cannot wait to see the energy they bring on Opening Day!”
Gillispie makes his return to the Eastern Alabama region after a previous 10-year stint with the Jacksonville State baseball program as an assistant coach. Gillispie also was a scout in the Major Leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997-2001.
“Being able to be a part of the Monsters in this inaugural season is quite exciting” Gillispie said. “The front office has been outstanding to work with and I’m sure the City of Oxford and East Alabama will embrace this organization in a way other Sunbelt teams will envy!”
Gillispie’s last baseball job before the Monsters saw his serve as the head baseball coach at Youngstown State during the 2013-16 seasons and led the Penguins to their first victory in an NCAA Regional in program history in 2014. Gillispie, originally from Beatrice, Neb., played collegiately at Northwest Missouri State and Fort Hays State.
“We will have our coaching staff in place shortly to be able to start recruiting and filling the roster for the 2022 SBL season” Gillispie continued. “This is an opportunity for me to get back into the game I spent 30 years in and help build something great. I am very appreciative to Ignite Sports and Entertainment for giving me a chance to do that.”
“We’re excited to have Steve on board with his knowledge and his connections in the pro and college levels of the baseball world” Monsters General Manager Scott Brand said. “He will be great in helping us put an outstanding product on the field product and we’ll be able to get the best talent out of the eastern Alabama region with his guidance.”
The Choccolocco Monsters begin play in the Sunbelt Baseball League for the 2022 season starting in June! Season tickets for the inaugural season are already on sale at Monsters.isportstix.com and for more information visit Bamamonsters.com or follow the team on social media @BamaMonsters.
Advertisement
