Longtime Capital Region coach Wayne Jones, who has helped develop a pair of Major League pitchers spanning a decorated nearly three-decade long career at both the high school and collegiate levels, was been appointed Siena University Baseball Pitching Coach in July 2026.
"We are thrilled to welcome Wayne Jones to Siena Baseball,” said head coach Alex Jurczynski upon Jones appointment. “Wayne arrives with a proven track record, having developed pitchers at the Division I level as pitching coach at the University at Albany, and also while leading his own program as head coach at The College of Saint Rose. His ability to develop talent and run a collegiate program at a high level makes him exactly the coach we were looking for. What excites me just as much as his coaching ability is the network he has built throughout the Northeast. Wayne knows this region, the high school and travel ball coaches, and the talent in our backyard better than almost anyone. That is going to be a significant advantage for us on the recruiting trail as we continue to build something special here at Siena. I have no doubt that Wayne will have an immediate impact on our pitching staff and the long-term future of Siena Baseball."
Jones arrives in Loudonville after spending the past two seasons in a similar role across town at the University at Albany. Jones helped guide the Great Danes to America East Conference Tournament appearances in both of his seasons on staff. This past season, he aided in the development of the first-ever UAlbany America East Pitcher of the Year Dylan Banner, and fellow First Team All-Conference hurler Matt Mariano who led the league with a 3.29 ERA out of the bullpen.
“I’m excited and appreciate the opportunity to join Siena University,” said Jones upon his hiring. “I look forward to working with Coach Jurczynski to provide our student athletes with the best possible experience on and off the field, while continuing to build upon the well-established tradition of excellence which has existed at Siena for a long time.”
Jones previously spent a decade at nearby Division II The College of Saint Rose, where he served as the Golden Knights head coach for his final eight seasons (2017-24). He concluded his tenure with 20-win campaigns in two of his final three seasons.
Jones coached locally in the high school ranks, where he served as the pitching coach at both Shenendehowa and Shaker High School from 2000-14. He helped guide Shaker to the 2011 New York State Championship Finals, and developed a pair of future Major League pitchers in 2014 Top-10 pick, 2024 All-Star, and current Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman, and 2010 MLB Draft pick and veteran pitcher Tommy Kahnle.
Jones also coached with the South Troy Dodgers Elite Team for a dozen years highlighted by six Connie Mack World Series appearances, and was the head coach of the Clifton Park Reds of the Mountain College League from 1998-04, leading the team to the 1999 Continental Amateur Baseball Association Collegiate Division National Championship.
