FARGO — After seven seasons as manager of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Chris Coste has decided to step down from his position, effective immediately.
Since taking over as interim manager in 2020, Coste led the team to a 365-294 record with six playoff appearances and a Miles Wolff Cup title in 2022. The Fargo native previously served as a member of the RedHawks coaching staff for two seasons after rejoining the team in 2018.
Over the last seven years, 15 RedHawks players had their contracts transferred to MLB organizations.
In the winter, Coste is the manager of the Cañeros de Los Mochis in the Mexican Pacific League.
“After a lot of thought, I have decided to step away from being the manager of the RedHawks,” Coste said. “This decision did not come easily, but in the end, it was something I knew I needed to do for myself, as well as for the organization.
“The RedHawks have been a big part of my life for over 30 years. They provided me with the opportunity to become a professional baseball player back in 1996, to become a coach in 2018 and then the opportunity to become a manager in 2020. I owe the RedHawks and the Thom family more than I could ever repay.
“I am also very proud of what we have been able to accomplish both on and off the field, and am even more proud of the reputation we have been able to build over the last three decades. The RedHawks are far more than the wins and losses, and our biggest accomplishment is that we have become one of the most respected organizations in all of minor league baseball, not just the American Association.
“The RedHawks are in a great position, led by amazing people. We have the best fans in baseball, and that success will continue for a long time. While I am stepping away and will no longer wear the uniform on the field, I will always be the RedHawks’ biggest fan and will continue to help the organization in any way I can.
“Lastly, a huge thank you to the fans and the media throughout the F-M area and the Red River Valley. Since 1996, they’ve made us feel like major leaguers every single day.”
The RedHawks will immediately begin a nationwide search for their fifth manager in team history.
“We fully support Chris in his decision to step down as manager and thank him for his service to the RedHawks as a player, coach and manager,” RedHawks President and CEO Brad Thom said. “Our attention will now turn towards finding the best qualified candidate to lead the RedHawks to future success on and off the field.”
Fargo-Moorhead is set to begin the 2027 American Association of Professional Baseball season on May 7 at home against the Lincoln Saltdogs. The AAPB is a 10-team MLB Partner League that plays a 102-game season from May through early September.
