The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers have parted ways with field manager Gil Rondon after just five months on the job.
On Thursday, the team announced General Manager Harry Muir will assume managerial duties effective immediately.
Rondon took over the role in February 2025 after being the team's pitching coach.
The Barnstormers didn't give a reason for Rondon's departure at first, just thanking him for his time in Chatham-Kent.
"We thank him for his leadership and dedication throughout the season," the team said in a news release. "Our focus remains on supporting our players and pursuing a successful postseason."
Muir told CFCO afternoon host and Barnstormers play-by-play announcer Mike Regnier the move has been contemplated for weeks due to a personality conflict.
"We also have another team and that's the front office team where me and the ownership and everything else happens outside of the white lines and that's where we struggled, that's where we couldn't come to common ground," said Muir. "We just don't see eye to eye on a daily basis and as a General Manager I can't continue like that."
Muir said it was a tough call to release Rondon.
"I knew it was coming to an inevitable end -- I didn't want it to and we tried to avoid it, but it is what it is and I've always intended on stepping in for the rest of the season," Muir said.
Muir said Rondon's departure had nothing to do with not meshing with the players, adding Rondon is a players manager and had a great relationship with the Barnstormers players.
The Barnstormers are preparing for the upcoming playoffs, but have a busy holiday weekend first. They visit Brantford on Friday night before returning home to host Kitchener on Saturday night and Toronto on Sunday afternoon.
