Eugene Emeralds name Jacob Heyward manager, unveil 2026 staff

The Eugene Emeralds announced on Jan. 15 that Jacob Heyward will manage the club for the 2026 season, leading a newly configured on-field staff that includes Braxton Lee as hitting coach and Luis Pino as pitching coach. The club's release also listed additional staff additions and returning personnel in roles such as fundamentals coach, trainer, strength and conditioning coach, clubhouse manager, and player development associate. Opening Day is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at PK Park against the Hillsboro Hops.

Heyward arrives in his first season in Eugene as the team's manager. The organization provided short bios and previous experience for Heyward, Lee and Pino in the announcement. The presence of dedicated specialists — from fundamentals instruction to strength and conditioning and a formal player development associate — signals an emphasis on both performance preparation and player health across the full season.

For Lane County the staffing update matters beyond the dugout. Minor league baseball operations generate recurring seasonal economic activity: home games bring fans to PK Park, support ticket, concession and merchandise sales, and create part-time and seasonal jobs such as game-day staff and clubhouse roles. Organizational investment in on-field and support coaches often correlates with on-field competitiveness and fan engagement, which in turn influence attendance and local spending. With Opening Day fixed for April 3, local businesses that rely on game-day traffic will be watching early-season performance and promotional plans closely.

From a team-development perspective, naming a three-person on-field staff backed by a larger support crew fits a broader trend in minor league operations toward specialized coaching and layered player development. Those choices can affect how quickly prospects advance and how the club markets itself to season ticket holders and community partners. The Emeralds’ detailed list of returning and new staff suggests management is prioritizing continuity in areas such as fundamentals and physical conditioning while refreshing leadership at manager, hitting and pitching positions.

What comes next for fans is roster announcements, promotional schedules and ticketing details as the season approaches. For the community, the immediate takeaway is a clarified leadership slate heading into spring training and a confirmed Opening Day at PK Park on April 3. That date marks the start of a season that will again tie local leisure spending and volunteer opportunities to the rhythms of Emeralds baseball, and set the tone for attendance-driven revenues that help support supporting staff and local vendors.