The Moncton Fisher Cats will have a new voice leading the team in the dugout next season.
Patrick Tardif has tendered his resignation after several years as the team’s head coach.
“Following our losses, I guess there were probably some expectations that were not met, so I had some discussions with the general manager,” says Tardif, adding the decision was the result of a long process.
A 2021 regular season filled with uncertainty saw the Fisher Cats finish first place in the New Brunswick Senior Baseball League.
However, after eliminating Chatham in the first round of the playoffs, the Fisher Cats ran into the PEI Islanders, who won a best of seven series to clinch the championships.
Tardif says he spent the following four months deliberating and decided it would be best for everyone involved if he parted ways with the organization.
“We were flying by the seat of our pants for the most part, and I think when you look back, everything that we planned or tried to organize worked out pretty good. The fact that we were able to have somewhat of a season and playoffs, meaningful baseball, crowds started getting back, and momentum started getting back, so no regrets.”
He acknowledged that his workload became heavier ahead of last season when most of the Fisher Cats executive board left.
In an effort to save the season, Tardif worked to find new people to fill the roles, though it also meant he would have greater responsibilities navigating the off-field operations.
When asked if Fisher Cats fans could see him throw on the vibrant orange jersey for another role, Tardif said it’s very unlikely.
“I’ve had a few calls, a few offers already, and I mean baseball has been in my life for a lot of years, I’m sure I’m going to miss it, but I’m kinda looking forward right now to do other things too.”
