COLORADO SPRINGS — The Rocky Mountain Vibes reached into their own backyard to tab UCCS baseball coach Dave Hajek as their new manager Wednesday afternoon at UC Health Park.
"I am truly blessed and fortunate to be able to have this opportunity to manage the Rocky Mountain Vibes in 2021," said Hajek. "To be able to coach baseball at one of the best universities in Colorado and combining that with managing a pro franchise in the same city, it's an almost unheard of opportunity."
.@VibesBaseball have tabbed @UCCSBaseball head coach Dave Hajek as second manager in team history. 10 years as a former player and 16 as a coach/instructor. Hear from the new skipper at 6/10. @KOAA @MLB pic.twitter.com/ny61OHZGNK
— Dylan Scott (@DylanScottTV) January 13, 2021
With nearly 30 years of experience at the professional and collegiate level, Hajek will play a crucial role in the franchise's move to the MLB-Partnership Pioneer League.
Serving as Mountain Lions head coach for the past five seasons, the Northern California product is looking forward to the opportunity to build another winning team in Colorado Springs.
"Honestly, that's the No. 1 motivator, we want to win and put a product on the field that this community is proud of," Hajek said. "They're going to come out and pay money during a difficult time, to have an exciting experience. If we can put something on the field that's an exciting product and fun to watch at the same time it's a win-win for everybody."
Alongside Hajek, Mark Lee will join the club as the pitching coach for the upcoming season.
The Vibes begin their 92-game season on Memorial Day weekend and will conclude in early September.
