A New Chapter for the Hartford Yard Goats: Leadership and Legacy
Former Mets Catcher Steps Up to Lead the Yard Goats
The Hartford Yard Goats baseball team recently unveiled their new manager for the 2026 season, naming Robinson Cancel, a former New York Mets catcher, to the role. This announcement signals a significant leadership change for the Minor League Baseball franchise, a Double-A affiliate connected to the Colorado Rockies organization.
From Spokane to Hartford: Cancel's Journey to Double-A
Robinson Cancel's promotion to manager of the Hartford Yard Goats follows a successful tenure with the Spokane Indians, another minor league affiliate within the Colorado Rockies' system, where he served as manager for the past three seasons. His transition from the High-A level Spokane Indians to the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats reflects his steady ascent within the Rockies' coaching ranks.
General Manager Abramson Expresses Enthusiasm for New Leadership
Mike Abramson, the General Manager of the Yard Goats, shared his excitement regarding Cancel's appointment. He emphasized Cancel's impressive history of securing victories and fostering player development, anticipating a promising season under his and his coaching staff's guidance in 2026.
A Look at Cancel's Predecessor and Managerial Transitions
At 49 years old, the Puerto Rico native, Robinson Cancel, becomes the sixth manager in the history of the Hartford Yard Goats franchise. He takes over from Bobby Meacham, who led the team during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. A spokesperson for the Yard Goats, Jeff Dooley, clarified that it is customary for major league organizations to rotate coaches and managers, typically every few years, a common practice in professional baseball.
Cancel's MLB Playing Career and Coaching Milestone
Beyond his coaching roles, Cancel's career includes playing 27 games for the New York Mets in 2008, where he achieved a batting average of .245 with two doubles, one home run, and five RBIs. He also had stints in Major League Baseball with the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros. The upcoming 2026 season will mark Cancel's tenth year as a coach within the Rockies organization and his inaugural season managing at the Double-A level.
Upcoming Season and Ticket Information
The Hartford Yard Goats are set to commence their 2026 season with a home game at Dunkin' Park on April 2nd, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. They will face off against the Chesapeake Baysox, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Fans interested in attending can purchase single-game tickets starting Thursday at 10 a.m. Further ticketing details are available through the team's official website or by contacting their ticket office.