Columbus Clingstones ready for upcoming season with new manager, new players
The Columbus Clingstones will start their second season in the Chattahoochee Valley on April 3 as they face the Chattanooga Lookouts in a three-game homestand at Synovus Park.
Clingstones fans can expect a new manager, new players and a few familiar faces from last season.
Nestor Perez was announced as the new manager of the Class AA Atlanta Braves affiliate in February, succeeding former Clingstones manager Cody Gabella, who now manages the Florida Complex League Braves.
Perez said he played at the stadium, formerly known as Golden Park, back in the 1990s when he played in the Southern League.
Perez said he is excited for the season and called Synovus Park “beautiful.” He said many players from last year’s team are coming back this year, along with some new faces.
Transitioning from playing on the field to coaching from the dugout, Perez said he is very proud and happy to be in this new role.
“When you play baseball, the best can happen to you ... after you finish and retire, you have the chance to coach all the players,” Perez said.
Perez said the goal is to get the players to the big leagues. The second goal is to bring the city of Columbus a championship.
The best talent is in Class AA baseball because that’s where teams have their top prospects, Perez said.
Owen Murphy will be the starting pitcher for the Clingstones on April 3. Murphy told reporters Tuesday he is excited to throw in front of the fans.
Murphy said he is not even thinking about getting to the big leagues.
“I’m just enjoying my time here and everything,” he said. “I play where my feet are. So, I’m just hoping to make one start at a time each week, and we’ll see what happens.”
Originally from Chicago, Murphy said the Southern heat actually “helps out a little bit.”
“You get really loose quickly, but you definitely gotta watch your water intake and stay hydrated,” Murphy said.
The Braves organization has a long lineage of star pitchers, ranging from Phil Niekro in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and to Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz in the 1990s and 2000s.
“To be a pitcher in an organization that loves pitchers is just special,” Murphy said. “So, I don’t take it for granted.”
Adam Zebrowski returns for his second season as a catcher for the Clingstones.
“It’s been really nice welcoming the new guys in,” Zebrowski said.
When asked the importance of getting the new players acclimated with returning players, Zebrowski said, “You play as a team, and guys feed off of each other’s energy. So, when you know each other on that better level, it just kind of enhances performance altogether.”
Another returning player, centerfielder Kevin Kilpatrick Jr., said he is glad to be back with the Clingstones this season.
Originally from Stone Mountain, just east of Atlanta, Kilpatrick said the proximity of Columbus to his hometown is “fire.”
“... You don’t want to forget about the people that you grew up playing with and grew up rooting for you,” he said.
“I’m blessed to be able to give them tickets and everything so they can make the game, and they can make appearances and just be there for the love and care for me,” Kilpatrick said.
Outside of baseball, Kilpatrick said his favorite thing about Columbus has been the food.
Kilpatrick said he will find a restaurant and “wear it out” for a week before moving on to the next place and wearing it out for a week.
This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 4:41 PM.