Baseball

Chicago, Ill. – Dec. 7, 2023 – A familiar face to both the town of Griffith and the Northern League is taking over the top step in the Griffith Generals’ dugout as the team has announced that Amir Wright will serve as its manager beginning with the upcoming 2024 season.

Wright, who was a standout outfielder for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen in 2017, 2018 and 2023, played for the Generals in 2020 as part of his longstanding affiliation with the league. The 2016 Griffith High School graduate was also recently named the head varsity baseball coach at his alma mater, a role he will hold concurrently with his Generals’ managerial duties.

“I am beyond thrilled to name Amir Wright the manager of the Griffith Generals,” Club President Don Popravak said. “We are proud of everything Amir has accomplished during his playing career, and we can’t wait to see him impart his baseball knowledge on the next generation of Northern League talent. We have had a chance to see Amir grow and evolve from the time he first played in our league in 2017, and managing his hometown team is the next logical progression in his baseball career.”

Wright, who signed to play professionally with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League last offseason and was part of the team before rejoining the Oilmen, had collegiate playing stops at Saint Joseph’s College, Saint Leo University and Ball State University.

“It’s been different to transition into a coaching role,” Wright said. “You’re so used to playing, preparing and getting your body right every day. I did that for over 18 years. Now, I’m preparing practice plans and making sure my players are doing things the right way. It’s been a smooth transition into coaching, and the people around me have provided tremendous support.”

The Wrights have been among the families most connected to the Northern League in the league’s history as Amir’s younger brothers A.J. and Aydin have both played in the league as well.

“When I think of the Northern League and everything that I’ve experienced there, the first thing that comes to mind that I’m most grateful for is the relationships that I’ve built and the people that I’ve met,” Wright said. “A lot of times in the summer, you’re working on things to get better. There are a lot of great people from this area. Going into a managerial role, I’m excited to be on the other side and help players reach their goals over the summer. I’m not that far from being a player, so I feel like I will be a players’ coach and focus on helping them get better.”

The opportunity to lead both Griffith High School and the Griffith Panthers in his hometown makes the start of Wright’s coaching career extra special.

“It’s a blessing; you can’t make it up,” Wright said. “It’s all God; all the glory to Him. I never thought I’d get the opportunity to coach both college and high school in my hometown and have a chance to represent the community as a whole. I couldn’t pass it up. I want to represent my hometown, my family and my community the best way I possibly can, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”