The North Country Thunderbirds have officially announced the hiring of Wilson Matos as their new manager for the upcoming season. Matos, who spent the last four years as an assistant coach with the SUNY Canton baseball program, brings a wealth of experience and a strong developmental background to the Thunderbirds.
Matos was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, a three year leader of the junior varsity program at SUNY Canton and was promoted to the head coach of the varsity program in 2022. Served 2 years as a head coach and in his first year went to the playoffs with a great opportunity for the baseball program.
Matos, a 2018 graduate of SUNY Canton, had a standout four year career for the Roos. He was a career .349 hitter for the Roos starting 143 of the 145 games he appeared in. He finished his career with 189 hits, 122 runs, 35 doubles, 17 triples, 14 home runs and 115 RBI. The Puerto Rico native also register 50 walks with a .417 on-base percentage and a .555 slugging percentage while totaling 55 stolen bases.
During his tenure at SUNY Canton, Matos played a crucial role in player development, focusing on both hitting and defensive strategies. His work helped elevate the program, making it more competitive in regional play. Prior to his coaching career, Matos had a successful playing career, bringing firsthand knowledge of the game’s demands to his coaching approach.
“We are excited to welcome Wilson to the Thunderbirds organization,” said the leagues executive Jerry Gonzalez. “His dedication to player development and his experience at the collegiate level make him a perfect fit to lead our team. We believe he will have an immediate impact on our players and help establish a winning culture.”
Matos will take the helm as the Thunderbirds prepare for the upcoming season, looking to make a strong push in league competition. His emphasis on fundamentals, team chemistry, and disciplined play aligns well with the organization’s goals.
“I’m honored to join the North Country Thunderbirds and eager to get started,” said Matos. “This is a great opportunity to work with talented players and help them reach their potential. I look forward to building a competitive and hardworking team that fans will be proud to support.”
With Matos now leading the way, the Thunderbirds are set to enter the season with renewed energy and high expectations. Fans can look forward to an exciting summer of baseball under his guidance.
