Paints Hire New Field Manager for 2024

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(Chillicothe) – The Chillicothe Paints, presented by CohenOrthopedic, announce the hiring of Daryin Lewis as the club’s field manager for the 2024 season, which begins Tuesday, May 28 in Lafayette, Indiana.

Lewis replaces Michael Boswell, who won the Prospect League Championship last year. Jackson White was the manager the previous two seasons, including a PL Championship in 2022.

“It’s truly an honor to be back at the VA as field manager for the Paints,” Lewis said. “So many memories have been made at this facility that go all the way back to my high school years. I am excited to be back in a Paints uniform. I’m excited to be around all the fans that support this organization. Most of all, I’m excited to compete for another Prospect League Championship. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for this opportunity.” 

Lewis is currently the assistant coach at the University of Rio Grande, joining the Red Storm’s staff prior to the 2024 season.

The Circleville, Ohio native and Westfall High School graduate previously served as the Head Coach for the Ohio Christian University softball program in 2022, earning River States Conference Coach of the Year after a 23-19 regular season, which was a turnaround from 9-39 the season before.

Lewis has also helped coach the Circleville Post 134 American Legion baseball team, helping them to a state championship in 2018, and does one-on-one coaching at Lancaster’s Beavers Field.

As a player, Lewis spent parts of three seasons in the Prospect League, playing 12 games for the Champion City Kings in 2015, four games for the Paints in 2016 and 18 games for the Paints in 2017. As a pitcher, Lewis went 4-4 with a 2.58 ERA across eight starts and 25 appearances, walking 17 and striking out 64 over 80 1/3 innings. As a batter, he hit .269 with two RBIs in 10 games. His 2017 season with the Paints was cut short after a strong start due to an injury, but his time in Chillicothe was memorable for Lewis, saying that “playing in front of the fans is an experience that was life changing for me.”

Having played summer ball, specifically in the Prospect League, is something that Lewis says he can draw on as manager. “From my experience, playing summer ball in the Prospect League is a grind. Playing five or six games in a week can be exhausting. So understanding this as a manager is important.” “Being organized and having a solid rotation of playing time is important to keep players healthy. As well as making sure these guys don’t get burnt out.”

“I want to make this a fun, competitive, and developmental experience for these college athletes,” Lewis added. “So, when they go back to their schools in the fall, they are better than they were previously in the spring. Health, player development, and competing at a high level are my main concerns.” 

In terms of style, Lewis has ideas on the way he’d like to see the Paints play this summer. “Unselfish, aggressive, and fundamental baseball is the style I aim to create,” said Lewis. “Team baseball is what wins championships. That is why playing selfless baseball is so important. Knowing the situation of the game and playing with controlled aggression, while playing fundamental baseball is the style I’m looking for.”

“On the pitching side, pitches have to be executed, and pitchers have to field their positions,” Lewis said. “Whether backing up throws or just simply making a play from the mound. On top of that, pitchers need to work at an optimal pace.”

Lewis is a 2017 graduate of the University of Rio Grande, where he excelled on the baseball field, garnering first-team All-River States Conference selections as both a pitcher and a third baseman his senior year, as well as being named River States Conference Pitcher of the Year. Lewis played in 206 career games for the Red Storm between 2014 and 2017, hitting .358 with 13 home runs and 110 RBIs. As a pitcher, he went 27-7 as a starter with a 2.52 ERA, striking out 148. As a senior, he went 9-2 on the mound with a 2.16 ERA. As a sophomore in 2015, he was named first-team All-RSC as a utility player. As a junior in 2016, he grabbed first-team All-RSC honors as a third baseman, as well as second-team All-RSC as a pitcher.

Having been a two-way player as a pitcher and a hitter, Lewis is happy to work with players from all positions. “Being a two way player has been something I have done my whole life. I simply just love to compete,” said Lewis. There is no preference to which side of the game I work with players on. I have enough experience on both sides that I am confident I can help with offense and defense.”

Prior to Rio Grande, Lewis attended Westfall High School, where he was a three-time All-Scioto Valley Conference selection, earning second-team All-Ohio his senior year in 2013.

The Chillicothe Paints open the home portion of their schedule Thursday, May 30, at VA Memorial Stadium against the Johnstown Mill Rats at 7:05 p.m. Draft beer will be just $2 for Thirsty Thursday and fans will be treated to a postgame Fireworks Extravaganza, sponsored by 94 Country, following the game. For advertising and season ticket information, visit ChillicothePaints.com.