Sherbrooke, QC – The Sherbrooke Expos announced Monday evening the appointment of Jonathan Cardin as the team’s new manager for the upcoming season. The move comes after a period of instability for the Ligue de Baseball Majeur du Québec (LBMQ) club, following the resignation of Dominic Fryer in September after just one season at the helm.
The Expos have been searching for consistency in their leadership, having cycled through four managers in the previous four years. “Stability” was a key message from the organization heading into last season, but a series of front office changes ultimately led to further upheaval. Jeffrey Dupont was appointed General Manager shortly after the trade deadline and Fryer subsequently stepped down a few months later.
At 28 years old, Cardin represents a new direction for the Expos. He was acquired from the Brock de Drummondville in December in exchange for Kaylen Gauthier, and had been a coach with Brock since 2021, working with the infielders. Fans may recall Cardin had a brief stint with Sherbrooke back in 2020.
“I believe I bring good experience, even if I am a little younger than the previous coaches who have been with Sherbrooke,” Cardin said. “Having faced them in recent years, I think the Expos have the assets to perform, and I believe I’m coming with a different dynamic that will be for the better.”
Cardin won’t be alone in guiding the team. Sherbrooke is adopting a committee-based management approach this season. Dominic Ballard will serve as President of Baseball Operations, although Jeffrey Dupont will continue as General Manager. Antoine Abud, a catcher, and Ismael Ballard, an infielder, will both serve as assistant coaches.
The new manager emphasized the importance of improved communication within the organization. “I’ve already started discussing their vision for this year with the guys, and I’m going to have a good group to lean on. Jeffrey Dupont is already involved as GM, Antoine Abud has experience coaching young players in sports-study programs, and Ismael Ballard has a good baseball mind.”
The changes are expected to translate to a more energetic team on the field at Stade Amédée-Roy. Cardin believes the Expos have assembled a roster capable of making a deep playoff run. “We have a young, fast team that has improved recently. We’ve added some good hitters and good pitchers, so I observe potential to go far in the playoffs this season,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of stability, Cardin added, “My goal is to be here as long as possible to help the team win a championship.”
The Expos are preparing to launch their 20th season with a press conference scheduled for Saturday, April 26th at 11:00 AM at Stade Amédée-Roy. More than fifteen players, both coaches, and all members of the board of directors are expected to attend, according to CFLX.
This appointment marks a significant shift for the Expos, who have struggled to identify lasting leadership in recent years. The emphasis on a collaborative approach, combined with Cardin’s relative youth and fresh perspective, suggests the organization is prioritizing long-term development and a cohesive team environment. The LBMQ season is set to begin soon, and all eyes will be on Sherbrooke to see if this new structure can deliver the stability and success the team and its fans have been seeking.
The Expos’ commitment to building a strong foundation is further evidenced by the involvement of experienced figures like Dupont and Abud, alongside the promising young talent of Ismael Ballard. This blend of experience and youth could prove to be a winning formula for the team.
Fans eager to follow the Expos’ progress can find updates and information on the team’s official Facebook page.
The Expos will open their season at Stade Amédée-Roy. The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the season opener, date and time to be announced. What are your thoughts on the Expos’ new manager? Share your predictions for the season in the comments below!
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