Brian Bigam Steps Down as Paints Field Manager

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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Brian Bigam, field manager of the Chillicothe Paints since 2016, is stepping away from the position. Bigam has been a member of the Paints coaching staff for 13 seasons.

Bigam amassed a 130-117 record over his four seasons at the helm, guiding the Paints to a pair of playoff appearances and the 2019 Prospect League Championship, the second in club history.

“Coaching the Chillicothe Paints was a dream job for me,” Bigam said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have the opportunity to be the field manager for such a long-standing and classy organization. To then be able to deliver a championship to the organization and fans made it that much more special.”

The Paints improved each year under Bigam’s tenure, from 23 wins in 2016 to 43 wins in 2019. With playoff appearances in each of his last two seasons, the Paints went a combined 78-49 in 2018 and 2019. They were even more impressive at home those two seasons, posting a 44-18 record (.709 winning percentage) at VA Memorial Stadium.

“I am at a point in my life where I need to step away and spend more time with my family,” Bigam added. “When your son asks you to coach his summer team and spend more time with him, you can’t say no to that. I’ve spent over a decade with the Paints. That means ten years of no vacation with the family and a lot of time away from them. It’s time to take a break.”

“Brian has been an integral part of our organization for many years. We will miss him leading our young men on and off the field,” said team president Bryan Wickline. “Brian is a first-class individual and always did what he felt was best for the Paints organization as a coach and field manager. We wish him well coaching his son’s summer team and support his decision to spend more time with his wife and children during the summer months.”

“I want to thank Bryan Wickline and the entire Paints organization for their unwavering support,” Bigam continued. “Coming to the ballpark every day is such a joy when you have ownership that cares about the players and coaches. The Paints Boosters are at another level. What they do for our players and coaches is unmatched! I want to thank the players as well. You’re only as good as your players and I’ve been blessed with tons of them thanks to Brian Mannino and their college coaches. Finally, I’d like to thank the best fans in the Prospect League. Nothing compares to the passion and love that these people bring to the ballpark on a nightly basis! For that, I’ll forever be grateful!”

“I would like to thank all of my assistants and Greg Cypret. The knowledge that Cyp possesses is unreal. I have learned so much from him about the game of baseball and will forever be grateful for that, but more importantly, Cyp is like a second father to me and the friendship that we’ve created is what I’ll be thankful for the most.”

“I also want to thank Jacob Wise. The coverage he provides for the coaches, players and fans is fantastic and professional. On top of this, he provides stats and insight that other organizations wish they could have.”
An announcement introducing the club’s 2021 field manager will be made in the near future.