The Munich-Haar Disciples announced on Thursday that retired catcher Christopher Howard will become head coach of a newly founded Disciples Academy. The 27-year-old just has finished his tenure with the Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg, retiring after losing the finals to the Mainz Athletics.
During the press conference in Munich Howard cited injuries as main reason to hang up his cleats. General manager Michael Stephan is hoping that the Academy will serve as pipeline for the Disciples Bundesliga team. They are looking to provide players between 14 and 17 years a professional program, while they are still living at home and continue to play for their home club.
Howard will lead a coaching staff of former professional, national team and Bundesliga players. William Thorp already has been confirmed to be one of the assistant coaches.