In a press release, Curaçao Neptunus announced its new head coach. The former third baseman of the club, Raily Legito, will be the new skipper for the multiple Dutch champions.
As a player, Legito played thirteen seasons for Neptunus in which the club won eight Dutch championships. After he hung up his spikes in 2016, he acted as manager of team Curaçao during various editions of the World Port Tournament, so Legito has (some) experience as head coach.
In 1999, Legito debuted in the Dutch hoofdklasse for ADO from the Hague. Two years later he moved to PSV from Eindhoven. In 2003, he joined Neptunus to spend the remainder of his lengthy career there.
Next to eight Dutch championships, Legito won the European Cup I (now European Champions Cup) twice (2004 and 2015) and the European Cup II in 2007.
According to Neptunus’ chairman Jorien van Acker, Legito built a long and successful career with Neptunus and he proved to be a knowledgeable player with a lot of experience. His vision of the game and the team is liked by the board of the club. Neptunus thinks he is the right fit for the club to guide the mix of young talent and experienced former professional players to the best performances. The club is convinced that Legito will guide the club to new successes in the Dutch hoofdklasse and in European baseball.
Next to Legito, Neptunus has reinforced its coaching staff. Next to Legito one new face can be seen in the person of Quincy Ascencion, who will serve as third-base coach. The 39-year old Curacçaoan played five years in the organization of the Baltimore Orioles. Recently, he served as (head) coach of the Santa Rosa team of Curaçao. Like Legito, he also was part of the coaching staff of team Curaçao during the recent editions of the World Port Tournament.
A more familiar face will be the new pitching coach. Diegomar Markwell will remain pitching but next to that role, he will be the pitching coach of the team.
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