Today, the United Shore Professional Baseball League announced the hiring of Ray Ortega to lead their new initiative described as “Real Baseball, Real Fun.”

Ortega is a product of indy ball himself as both a player and coach and had coached in the minor leagues before becoming an assistant coach for the Savannah Bananas last year.

I have known Ortega for over a decade beginning with his rookie year in the Frontier League as part of the road warrior Frontier League Greys. His infectious attitude and love for the game drew me in instantly.

When he recently contacted me about his ideas for “Real Baseball, Real Fun,” I was immediately sold.

I have always loved independent baseball because of the players and people involved. It is why I started this blog in the first place; to connect players and fans and tell stories that bring out the human side of the sport. I love when players can just be themselves and show that side to the fans.

In my opinion, the core of the game of baseball doesn’t need to change, but the interactions and fan support needs an upgrade in order to stay relevant.

The Savannah Bananas sell out ballpark after ballpark because of the fun interactions and the larger than life characters that they players have turned into. But far too many baseball purists think that their attempts to “liven up” the game itself have ruined the game.

The United Shore Pro Baseball League lead by Ray Ortega is aiming to bridge that gap.

Indy Ball Island is looking forward to working with Ray and the USPBL to showcase how this initiative plays out throughout the season and the years to come.

You can read the official press release from the USPBL Below:

The USPBL powered by UWM Welcomes Ray Ortega to Lead “Real Baseball, Real Fun” Initiative 

March 12th, 2025

 ROCHESTER, Mich. – March 12, 2025 – The United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL powered by UWM) is thrilled to announce the addition of Ray Ortega as USPBL Assistant Director of Baseball Operations & Hitting Coach. With the new motto of “Real Baseball, Real Fun.”, Ortega is set to bring fresh energy and expertise to the league. 

Ortega, 35, from Miami, FL, has an extensive background in baseball, both as a player and a coach. Ortega previously spent three years with the USPBL, as a catcher for the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers in 2016 and 2017, and as the Beavers’ Assistant Manager and league Catching Coordinator in 2018. In 2019, Ortega left the USPBL to become the Player Development Coach for the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats, and that team won the 2019 AAA National Championship. After leaving the River Cats, Ortega joined the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League, where he served as the Hitting Coach and Bench Coach for two summers. Over the years, Ortega has coached more than 200 players who have played Major League Baseball. 

In 2024, Ortega immersed himself into the baseball entertainment experience of the Savannah Bananas, serving as an Assistant Manager of the Savannah Bananas during their tour across the country. As Ortega returns to the USPBL this season, he will be helping the league to increase player engagement with the fans, ramping up the fun and entertainment on the field while still staying true to the traditional rules of baseball. “My goal is to reimagine the culture surrounding the game. I want to change the fan experience and overall presentation of the game, but not the game of baseball,” said Ortega. “Baseball is fun. I want to remind people of that. The USPBL is – Real Baseball, Real Fun.” 

Ortega will have a key role in player development and community outreach, while also helping to implement the increased engagement of our players with the fans, and the additional entertainment on the field during USPBL games in a way that will not impact the outcome of the games or the opportunity for USPBL players to be signed to contracts by Major League organizations. His appointment marks an important step in USPBL’s continued commitment to excellence both on and off the field. 

The evolution of the USPBL, now entering its 10th season of baseball, will bring a brand of baseball with unmatched energy, personality, and creativity. More on-field interactions, more player-led promotions, and deeper fan connections – from the dugout to the stands, the players will be the heartbeat of the experience at Jimmy John’s Field. This isn’t just baseball. This is Real Baseball. Real Fun. 

In addition to bringing Ray Ortega back to the USPBL in 2025, the USPBL will be welcoming back all of its senior Baseball Operations and coaching staff from the 2024 season. Leading the USPBL Baseball Operations staff once again is Shane McCatty, Director of Baseball Operations, whose operational excellence is invaluable as we strive for continued success. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Paul Noce, Field Coordinator, returning to oversee on-field instruction and preparation. Justin Karn is returning this season as USPBL Pitching Coordinator, where his expertise in pitching development has been a vital asset in preparing our players for success on the mound. His focus on mechanics, strategy, and player growth will continue to play a crucial role in strengthening our pitching staff. 

The USPBL also is fortunate to have an outstanding group of returning team managers who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to their respective teams. Jim Essian will be managing the Utica Unicorns for the 9th straight season. John Dombrowski will once again manage the 2024 USPBL Champion Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers. Taylor Grzelakowski continues at the helm for the Westside Woolly Mammoths, and Ryan Kottke will manage the Eastside Diamond Hoppers. Their ability to develop players and foster a competitive, fan-first culture is a key component to our league’s success. 

The entire USPBL Baseball Operations Department is fully engaged in and embracing the “Real Baseball, Real Fun” initiative. This initiative is reimagining the culture around the game while preserving its essence and the rules of the actual game of baseball. The USPBL is creating an electrifying fan experience that makes baseball fun again. 

We believe the “Real Baseball, Real Fun” initiative will attract both passionate fans and top-tier baseball talent, because this isn’t just about making the games more fun for the fans—it’s about the players, too. We’re empowering our athletes to embrace their personalities, build their brands, and engage with fans like never before. From on-field celebrations and team dances to signature handshakes and social media storytelling, we’re giving players the tools to turn their careers into platforms that extend beyond the game. 

“Baseball should be fun—for the players and the fans. We’re bringing the passion, the energy, and the showmanship that makes this game great,” said USPBL Owner, Commissioner and CEO, Andy Appleby. “We are excited to welcome Ray Ortega to our team. His expertise, leadership, and passion for the game will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance the experience for our players, fans, and community.”