Jagoda named head coach of Blue Devil baseball
Fredonia Sports Information Department
FREDONIA, N.Y. — Fredonia State University has named Frank Jagoda III as its new head coach of the Blue Devils baseball program, effective immediately.
A Fredonia State alumnus who grew up in the area, Jagoda has served as the interim head coach of the program since September. He brings to his new position more than 15 years of coaching, scouting, and player-development experience across college, professional, and international baseball.
"We are thrilled to welcome Frank as our new head baseball coach," co-interim Director of Athletics Angela Pucciarelli Rice said. "As a proud Fredonia alum with an impressive, coaching résumé and strong ties to the community, Frank brings a proven record of excellence, an exceptional baseball mind, and a genuine commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field. His leadership, vision, and energy make him the perfect fit to guide the next chapter of our baseball program. I am excited to see what's in store for Blue Devil baseball in the Jagoda Era."
Jagoda attended Dunkirk High School -- where he played baseball for his father and longtime coach, Frank Jr. -- before enrolling at Fredonia State, and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Social Work in 2010. He later earned a Masters of Science in Sport Administration from Canisius College, one of four schools where he has logged prior college baseball coaching experience. The others are Patrick Henry Community College, Wingate University, and Jamestown Community College.
In addition to his college stops, Jagoda's amateur baseball experience includes impactful stints with USA Baseball (2014-20) as a national team coach, scout, and later the director of the 18U National Team. Most recently, Jagoda managed the Jamestown Tarp Skunks of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, guiding the club to a 30-15 record, the best in franchise history.
Prior to his stint with the Tarp Skunks, Jagoda worked four years (2020-24) for the MLB Tampa Bay Rays as a professional scout & player development coach. In this role, he worked at multiple levels within the organization, including Triple A, Double A, and international scouting, while contributing to player plans, advanced scouting, and organizational development.
He also spent two seasons with the Minnesota Twins (2018-19), where he designed and coordinated on-field rehab programs from the major league level through rookie ball.
Jagoda expressed gratitude and excitement in his new role at his alma mater, thanking college administrators and athletic department colleagues.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead the Fredonia State Baseball program," he said. "I'd like to thank President (Stephen) Kolison, Vice President (Tracy) Stenger, Dr. Pucciarelli Rice, and (co-interim Athletic Director) Mr. (P.J.) Gondek for the opportunity. I'd also like to thank my wife, Tara, for her love and support over the last 16 years. I'm looking forward to building on the momentum we've built as a staff and a ball club during the interim process, both on and off the field, as well as the recruiting trail. We will continue to move it forward each and every day. Go Blue Devils!"
