The Richmond Flying Squirrels are gearing up for a big 2025 season, with Dennis Pelfrey returning as manager for his fourth year. This will make him the longest-tenured manager in team history. 

  

The 2025 staff will also see familiar faces.

Returning for another season are pitching coach Paul Oseguera, hitting coach Cory Elasik, fundamentals coach Lipso Nava, athletic trainer Tim Vigue and strength & conditioning coach Michelle Kuda. All are set to continue shaping a team already brimming with potential.

Pelfrey, who took the reins in 2022, made history by leading the team to back-to-back postseason appearances — the first time in Flying Squirrels history. Under his leadership, Richmond clinched the Southwest Division’s first-half title in 2022, ending an eight-year playoff drought. In 2023, they sealed a second-half division crown and boasted the second-best regular-season record in franchise history. Since Pelfrey’s arrival, 23 players have made MLB debuts, including 22 with the San Francisco Giants.

“I’m so happy to be back in Richmond for the 2025 season,” Pelfrey said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time in Richmond with the best front office and fans in Minor League Baseball. Our goal this year stays the same: To bring an Eastern League championship to Richmond.”

Before joining the Flying Squirrels, Pelfrey led the High-A Eugene Emeralds to a Northwest League championship in 2021. As a player, he spent six seasons in professional baseball across various leagues, beginning his coaching career in 2011. His managerial resume includes successful stints with the Gary SouthShore RailCats and Florence Freedom.

Oseguera, returning for his fourth season as pitching coach, helped the Flying Squirrels’ pitchers set a franchise-record .236 opponents’ batting average in 2023. He’s no stranger to success, having also helped lead the Low-A San Jose Giants to a California League championship in 2021.

Elasik, in his third season as hitting coach, oversaw the team’s explosive offense in 2023, which set multiple franchise records, including runs (658), RBIs (604) and walks (552). Prior to his time in Richmond, he guided Eugene to back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022.

Nava, returning for his third stint on the staff, brings invaluable experience. This year marks his 18th season with the Giants, and his fifth with Richmond. His previous managerial success with San Jose and his 17-year playing career in multiple leagues worldwide have made him a standout on the coaching staff.

Vigue and Kuda also bring significant expertise to their roles. Vigue, the team’s athletic trainer, returns for a second season in Richmond, and Kuda, now in her fourth year with the Giants organization, enters her second season as strength & conditioning coach.

The Flying Squirrels begin the 2025 season on Friday, April 4, at The Diamond against the Akron RubberDucks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Tickets are available now at SquirrelsBaseball.com.