The New Faces and Voices of the Worcester Tornadoes

By Kim Dunbar

While you were hibernating this winter, the Worcester Tornadoes were getting a facelift.

At the end of last season, the Tornadoes came under new ownership but lost two of their stars: manager Rich Gedman took a new job and Dave “Peterman” Peterson retired his game night personality and flashy sport coats. But the team didn’t give fans time to sulk ~ they quickly named Worcester native and baseball veteran Ed Riley as manager and hired experienced radio broadcaster Nick Gagalis to run the team’s marketing.

“This season we have a new attitude,” said Gagalis, who will call all 94 Tornadoes games this summer. “It is a fresh start for us to take the history we have and build on it.”

Gagalis has already connected with fans via Facebook, Twitter and in person at games. “The goal is to improve the relationships we already have and create new ones,” he added.

Establishing Gagalis as the face and voice of the Tornadoes allows fans to better connect with the organization. “They may not know the General Manager or the players because they’re not around in the offseason.  They can interact with me every single day. For consistency’s sake, I’m someone they can get to know.”

Worcester fans may feel like they already know the first-time manager Riley. He was a standout prep pitcher at St. Peter-Marian and spent time playing and coaching in the Red Sox organization. In 2005, he came out of retirement to join the Tornadoes during their inaugural season but halfway through hung up his cleats in favor of a front office position, Director of Baseball Operations.

Riley admits there is a level of comfort with his new job. “Growing up in Worcester and being in the organization as a player and front office person does offer a little comfort from a standpoint of knowing what to expect day in and day out,” he said.

Having to focus on every aspect of the game rather than just one area will be the biggest transition for Riley, but he’s got some trusted help. Chip Plante, a Webster native and one-time Tornadoes coach, and Chris Shank, who played three seasons with the Tornadoes, were added to Riley’s staff in the off-season.

While many things are different this season, Worcester’s expectations remain the same: “To go out and win the Can Am League and bring the championship back home to Worcester,” Riley said.

To get to know your Tornadoes, visit www.worcestertornadoes.com.

Pictured: Ed Riley (top) and Nick Gagalis (bottom)