Callia Returns For Second Season As Pitching Coach

Wenatchee AppleSox pitching coach Mike Callia has reached an agreement to return to the team in the same role for the 2024 season.

Callia steered Sox pitchers to an impressive 2023 season in which they recorded a 3.35 team ERA, the fifth-best mark in the 16-team West Coast League and a stark improvement from the AppleSox’ 4.88 mark in 2022. AppleSox arms also finished among the top five in the WCL with 466 strikeouts (tied for third), a 1.33 WHIP (tied for fourth) and 224 walks (third fewest).

“I’m fired up to be back in Wenatchee and build off what we did last year,” Callia said. “I think I’m going to look back on (last) summer and really just enjoy all the experiences, just as far as the guys go and the places we were able to play. Working with Mitch and working with (former AppleSox assistant) Colton (Kelly) was an awesome time.”

Wenatchee shut out four teams to record its must shutouts in a season since 2014. AppleSox starting pitchers also tossed at least five innings in 63-percent of games and the team went 24-10 in those instances. Ten Wenatchee pitchers recorded more strikeouts than innings pitched, with Quincy Vassar and Jadon Williamson tying with each other for the seventh-most strikeouts in the WCL (42). Five of the AppleSox’ seven players to earn All-WCL honors were pitchers as Williamson and Toby Haarer appeared on the Second Team while Evan Canfield, Michael Cunneely and Ryan Martinez earned Honorable Mention.

Callia helped coach Lower Columbia College to their 15th NWAC Championship in the spring of 2023 in his first year as the Director of Player Development and Assistant Pitching Coach. Three of his Red Devils (Williamson, Easton Amundson and Joey Pearson) joined the AppleSox immediately after capturing the NWAC crown and left their marks on the 2023 AppleSox.

“Mike’s efforts last season were a huge part of our team finishing 20 games above .500,” general manager Allie Schank said. “His professionalism and preparation are evident both in the product that he puts forth with the AppleSox but also with Lower Columbia. He and Mitch were a natural fit working together in Wenatchee and we look forward to seeing what they do together in

Callia got his first taste of coaching at the summer collegiate level when he helped lead the Western Nebraska Pioneers to the inaugural Independence League Championship in 2022 as their pitching coach.

Callia spent three seasons at Lower Columbia College from 2019-21 and was a part of their NWAC Championship team as a freshman. He transferred to West Texas A&M in 2022, but did not pitch due to injury.

Prior to coaching summer ball, Callia spent three seasons playing in the Expedition League, two with the Pioneers and one with the Badlands Big Sticks. He previously played in the WCL with the Victoria HarbourCats in 2019, including pitching against the AppleSox in Game 1 of the North Division Series.

The AppleSox will announce their second assistant coach in the new year. The 2024 season begins at home against Port Angeles on May 31. Season tickets make great stocking stuffers and are available now for as affordable as $145. Purchase season tickets and other ticket packages now at applesox.com/season-tickets.