STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— This week, the Staten Island FerryHawks announced that manager Mark Minicozzi will leave the team after two seasons in charge of the Atlantic League ballclub.
“The FerryHawks thank Mark for his leadership contributions to the growth of the organization. He will always be a part of the FerryHawks community, and we wish him great success with all that’s ahead,” the organization wrote in a statement.
Minicozzi, who played 12 years of professional baseball in the Minor Leagues with the San Francisco Giants system and in other organizations like the Mexican League, guided the FerryHawks to a 98–116 during his two seasons in St. George.
“I’m deeply grateful to ownership, management, our incredible fans, and, most of all, the players who trusted their careers with me and the organization,” Minicozzi said.
“This was not an easy decision, but I leave with an incredible sense of pride in what we’ve accomplished together,” he continued.
So, with a job vacancy open, who are some candidates that could feasibly step into Minicozzi’s shoes before the 2026 season gets underway?
Mike Mauro is back for another season as an assistant with the Staten Island FerryHawks. (FerryHawks photo)FerryHawks
Mike Mauro
Mike Mauro, a staple of the Staten Island baseball community, appears to be one of the most logical choices given his local roots and longstanding ties to the team.
The College of Staten Island head coach — and the winningest manager in the program’s history — rejoined the FerryHawks as an assistant coach for the 2025 season after a brief hiatus, marking his fourth year on the team’s staff.
Mauro has also seen two of his former CSI players, John Esposito and Ryan Kehoe, sign contracts with the FerryHawks, further underscoring his connection to the team.
With over 300 collegiate wins already under his belt, could Mauro be ready to make the full-time switch from coaching in the NCAA to managing professional ball?
Wally Backman could be a perfect fit for the FerryHawks job. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis, File)ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wally Backman
One former Atlantic League manager currently out of a head coaching role is Wally Backman, who led the Long Island Ducks from 2019 to 2023 and was a member of the New York Mets’ legendary 1986 World Series–winning team.
Backman, who guided the Long Island Ducks to a 284–232 record during his tenure, has managed in the minor and independent leagues since the 1990s. He earned Sporting News’ Minor League Manager of the Year honor in 2004, when he led the Lancaster JetHawks, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ High-A affiliate, to an 86–54 record.
In addition to his time playing for the Mets, Backman also coached the Brooklyn Cyclones during the 2010 season, further cementing his New York City ties.
He was even a candidate for the Mets’ managerial position during their 2011 vacancy. Could his extensive baseball experience — as both a player and a manager — lead him to continue his journey on Staten Island?
Widger was a former Yankee who caught for big names like David Wells. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)AP
Chris Widger
If the FerryHawks are drawn to the idea of a former New York–based MLB player with independent league managerial experience, could they entice former Yankee Chris Widger to take the helm?
Widger, who enjoyed an 11-year MLB career — including a season with the Yankees in 2002 and a World Series ring with the White Sox in 2005 — has been managing the New Jersey–based Sussex County Miners of the Frontier League since 2023.
He also brings significant MiLB experience, having managed the High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, where he earned High-A Central Manager of the Year honors in 2021.
Having caught for pitchers like David Wells, Widger possesses rare insight into the game at the highest level. Could his big-league knowledge and managerial acumen translate into immediate impact for the FerryHawks?
Ed Blankmeyer coached the St. John’s baseball team for 23 years. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)AP
Ed Blankmeyer
When it comes to NCAA coaching experience, few can match the résumé of Ed Blankmeyer, who led the St. John’s baseball program from 1996 to 2019.
During his 23-year tenure in Queens, Blankmeyer guided the Red Storm to 10 NCAA Regionals and one NCAA Super Regional, while earning the Big East Conference’s top coaching award eight times.
In addition to five Big East Tournament championships, Blankmeyer also had a brief stint managing the Brooklyn Cyclones, demonstrating his ability to lead at the professional level as well.
With so many collegiate accomplishments under his belt, could the former St. John’s stalwart be ready to take on the challenge of managing a pro team for a sustained period?
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.