For the first time in five years, St. John’s Minor Baseball will be heading into the new season with a new executive director.

David Lahey officially assumed the new role on Monday, taking over from former executive director Kristyn Coley.

The association has seen some significant growth over the past few years, a trend Lahey is hoping to continue.

Lahey brings decades of experience to the role, from playing with St. John’s Minor Baseball as a kid, to working with other local sports.

He says making baseball inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for all is key in growing the game.

Lahey says success of the pro athletes is a big help in boosting interest in local grassroots programs. Their hope is to help kids fall in love with the game as they come through the door.

He says having good enrollment numbers is great for the association, but they want to prove baseball is a place to grow both off and on the field.

“We can’t be complacent with just having good numbers,” he says. His goal is for the organization to be able to promote itself as a place to expand one’s sporting resume, make friends and learn life skills.