Quincy Gems Name Their New Head Coach

Quincy Gems owner Jimmie Louthan has named his head coach and assistant coach for the upcoming 2018 Prospect League season.

Rick Fraire returns to the Gems in 2018, this time as head coach. This is Fraire's 5th season with the Gems and 6th season in the Prospect League. During his time with the Gems he has helped guide the team to a Western Division Championship in 2014 and 2016 and a Prospect League Championship in 2014. He is currently the head baseball coach at Fabens High School in Fabens, Texas (4th year).

Coach Fraire has had the privilege of coaching more than 25 players selected in the MLB Draft and countless more that are playing professional baseball.

Fraire is a native of El Paso, Texas and played collegiately at Bates College and Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. He graduated in 2009 from Sul Ross with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology and Sports Science

Aaron Meyer joins the Gems coaching staff after a very successful playing career at Missouri State and in the Prospect League. He is currently a Student Assistant with the Bears.  Meyer was a 4 year starter at Missouri State, where he was the 2014 Rookie of the Year and was a 2016 All-American, as well as academic honor roll and dean's list honors.

In the Prospect League, Meyer played two seasons, including 2015 with the Gems. He holds the Prospect League record for batting average, hitting .423 in 2016. He was named the Roland Hemond Pro Prospect of the Year and the Mike Schmidt Player of the Year by the league in 2016.

The Gems first game is set for May 30 at Springfield and their first home game is scheduled for Saturday, June 2 against Lafayette.