Leesburg Father, Son Duo add two former players to coaching staff in 2022
Leesburg - Familiar faces on the coaching staff return for the defending champions of the FCSL, Leesburg Lightning. Head coach Rich Billings partners once again with assistant coach and father Rich Billings Sr. for another year of Lightning baseball while adding two former players to the staff.
To end last season, the Lightning were victorious in the championship series where they defeated the Winter Garden Diamond Dawgs in a three-game series. Billings reflects on his second FCSL championship and first as a head coach.
“It was really cool in the championship game last year to play in our home stadium.” Billings said. “Allowing our fans to see us win a championship, it was just electric.”
As a true-native who played ball in Leesburg his entire life, Billings expands on what it is like to play for the Lightning organization. He has the utmost appreciation for the city and the passion of the fanbase.
“Leesburg is always a fun place to play, “ said Billings. “We have some of the best fans in all of summer baseball in any league around the country.”
Billings is entering his eighth season as head coach of the Lightning and 11th overall in the FCSL. During the college season, he is the current head coach at nearby Lake Sumter College where he was a former player in 2002 and 2003. Billings also played ball and graduated from Leesburg high school in 2001.
After joining his son in 2018, Rich Billings Sr. is entering his fourth season as assistant coach for Leesburg. He will coach first base and aid his son in defending their championship from a year ago.
“It's been great. It’s something really special I get to do with my Dad and it’s really fun in the summertime.” said Billings. “He is really good at having fun with the players and getting to know them.”
Former Lightning players Matthew Coles and Jarrett Backus will help on the coaching side of things this summer. Coles, who played for the Lightning the past four seasons, will join Billings in handling the pitching duties. He recorded a 2.69 ERA in 82 innings pitched over those four years.
“Matt is a pitcher and can teach me some things with drills and mechanical details.” said Billings regarding Coles’ coaching ability. “It’s always good to have a second pair of eyes on the guys so Matt will help out a lot.”
Backus has been hired as the hitting coach and offensive specialist for the team. He was a part of Leesburg back in 2019 where he notched a .294 batting average with 25 hits and 12 RBI’s.
“He will coach third and is going to run the offense,” said Billings about Backus. “I told him he can create whatever signs for the players and will give those guys the freedom to play the game.”
Former assistant coach Matt Swiderski has pivoted roles in 2022. Swiderski has since moved on from the Lightning organization to become the head coach of the Seminole County Snappers. Billings and Swiderski will have some friendly competition on their hands this season both coming off a championship victory.
Leesburg will open the season on the road against the Sanford River Rats at Sanford Memorial Stadium. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Tom Cavanaugh (Michigan State University)