Roy steps down from dual role with IBL's Barrie Baycats

Angus Roy has stepped down from his dual position as field manager and GM with the Intercounty Baseball League’s Barrie Baycats. Photo: Barrie Baycats/Twitter

November 14, 2019

By Danny Gallagher

Canadian Baseball Network

Angus Roy wants to spend more time with his family so that's why he's stepping down from his dual role as general manager and field manager of the six-time defending champion Barrie Baycats.

Roy told the Intercounty Baseball League club of his plans on Wednesday but it shouldn't be surprising that he's quitting for family reasons because it's a huge commitment from May through part of September.

"I have just reached a point in my life where spending time with my family is the most important thing,'' Roy told me in an interview today. "I don’t want to say no to my kids anymore because I have to go to baseball. Nothing brings me as much joy as being with them.

"The dual role was a big commitment. You are responsible for everything both on and off the field related to players: signings, recruiting, housing, transportation, making sure everyone is okay. It is a big task, but it was also a task that I enjoyed.

"During the season my life revolves around baseball. It is tough to pinpoint an exact amount of time, but on game days alone you are looking at a minimum of a 12-hour day. There are times, such as around the signing deadline, where it is really busy as you try and improve your team. There are points where it is a little lighter, but it was my second full time job.''

In all, Roy spent 17 years with the Baycats, the first few years as a player before becoming the field manager in 2007. Roy managed Barrie to six consecutive league championships which ties the record held by the Brantford Red Sox. But staying on to see if the club could win a record seventh straight title didn't convince him.

Which championship out of the six does Roy cherish the most?

"They are all special, but 2005 and 2014 are tops,'' Roy said. "The first one was incredible. I will never forget how packed our park was. And then 2014 was special because it took us so long to get back there and there were a lot of difficult times leading up to that one.''

Your biggest memory in all of your time, Angus?

"The people,'' Roy replied. "Just an incredible group of people and lifelong friends that have become my extended family.''

No word yet on who will be Roy's replacement.

"I think they will look for an internal candidate first,'' Roy said. "I never thought I would be the manager of an Intercounty team until they asked me in 2007 so you never know who it will be.''

Kitchener Panthers GM Mike Boehmer had nothing but praise for his long-time rival. Boehmer said Roy had an "outstanding career '' and was a "tough competitor and a master strategist'' in his time with the Baycats.

"We've played a lot of important, hard fought games against Barrie in the past few years,'' Boehmer said. "I know that I speak for the entire Panthers organization, executive and players when I say that we have great respect for Angus and wish him all the best in the future.''