Premier Coaches

Kevin Nicholson enters his 2nd season as head coach for the Senior Abbotsford Cardinals. Prior to his time with Abbotsford, Kevin coached in the PBL for Whalley Chiefs from 2021-22. During his playing career, Kevin played at Stetson University (NCAA D1) from 1994-97. In 1996, Kevin was named the Cape Cod Summer League MVP. He was drafted in the first round of the 1997 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, becoming the first Canadian to ever be drafted in the first round. In addition to his 10 year professional career, Kevin also represented Canada in the Olympics in 2004, as well as Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic in 2006. Kevin began coaching for BC Minor in 2016, and was named 2x Coach of the Year. Kevin is excited to compete for the PBL Championship in 2025 with the Cardinals!

Max Ishikawa enters his first year with the Cardinals as an assistant coach on the senior staff. Prior to the Cardinals, Max served as Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach for Far Northeast Warriors, a 5A high school program in Denver, CO from 2018-2024. During his time in Denver, Max led the Warriors to an overall record of 59-26, reaching the 5A State Playoffs three straight seasons and winning the Denver Public Schools City League in 2023. Max was also named DPS Coach of the Year in 2022. Max originates from Chicago, IL where he played collegiate baseball at North Central College (NCAA D3). He also spent time coaching at Harper College (NJCAA), as well as Chicago White Sox Elite from 2015-2019. Max is excited to join the Cardinals & Abbotsford community!

A former player in the PBL from 2008-2011, Justin rejoins the PBL eager to give back to our Cardinals!Justin was a member of the Canada Junior National Team from 2009-2011, before being selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 26th Round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Coach Justin firsthand knowledge of professional baseball and commitment to elite standards will be a tremendous asset to our program!

Please join us in welcoming Justin to the Cardinal family!

Atsu Inomata enters his 2nd season with the Abbotsford Cardinals, serving as the catching coach for the Senior Team. Atsu played at Nishinomiya Kita High in Japan from 1986-87. He began coaching in 2007 for Coquitlam Little League until 2015. Additionally, Atsu served as All Star Coach & Provincial Finalist in 2010, 2012 & 2013. From 2014-2019, Atsu served as Head of Player Development & Head Coach for Asahi Baseball Association. In 2019, Atsu began his coaching career in the PBL, first with the Coquitlam Reds Junior, then with Whalley Chiefs Senior. In addition to coaching for Abbotsford, Atsu is a Senior instructor at Nicholson Baseball, as well as an instructor for Yale Baseball Academy.

Jarrod Manick enters his 5th year for the Abbotsford Cardinals, serving as the pitching coach for the Senior staff. Jarrod played for the Abbotsford Cardinals for two years from 2015-2016. Jarrod was a member of the 2016 Abbotsford Cardinals Premier PBL Champions. After graduating, Jarrod went on to attend McPherson College (NAIA) and played for four years from 2016-2020. During his time at McPherson College, Jarrod became the program’s all time record holder for saves, as well as the single season record holder for saves. After college, Jarrod joined the Abbotsford Cardinals Junior Coaching Staff as a pitching coach, where he eventually worked his way up to become the program’s Senior Pitching coach. Jarrod also serves the baseball community as an instructor for Yale Baseball Academy, as well as Nicholson Baseball. Coach Jarrod is excited for the 2025 Abbotsford Cardinals Senior Season!