Alfred State assistant coach and former Hornell Dodger will be 2026 head coach
From the Hornell Steamers, Photo taken by JC’s Photography
Former Hornell Dodger and current Alfred State assistant baseball coach Colin Johnson will return to lead the Hornell Steamers in 2026. Johnson coached the Steamers last year and led the team to a 14-21-4 record.
“Colin did a great job last spring jumping into the head coach position late in the spring,” commented Hornell Steamers General Manager Paul Welker. “He has worked from day one of the offseason to build a roster that will be very competitive in the NYCBL. He learned a great deal last year and I expect an exciting summer.”
Johnson currently is an assistant coach at Alfred State. He helped the Pioneers to a 27-17 record and a trip to the AMCC Championship game last season.
His baseball career took him from Alfred Almond Central School to Alfred State. At ASC, he played in 100 games, hit ten home runs and drove in 77 runs. In three summer seasons with the Dodgers he hit seven home runs and drove in 49 runs. His collegiate career led him to a four-summer career in the Pecos League, a west coast independent league. In his professional career with the Alpine Cowboys and the Tuscon Saguaros featured ten home runs and 75 RBI.
Johnson is currently coaching his fourth season with the baseball team at Alfred State. He also works in the ASC fitness center and previously was an assistant wrestling coach.
Welker continued, “Colin grew up watching games at Maple City Park and it is great to have him continue his involvement with the organization. I can’t wait for the season to open in early June.”
The 2026 Hornell Steamers open up the season on June 4 when they host the Horseheads Hitmen at 7 p.m. The 38-game NYCBL schedule features games vs. Western Division rivals the Dansville Gliders, the Genesee Rapids, and the Hitmen. The team will also play cross-over doubleheaders vs. the Rochester Ridegmen, the Sherrill Silversmiths, the Syracuse Salt Cats, and the Watertown Rapids.
