A former New York Mets catcher was named as the Hartford Yard Goats' new manager for the 2026 season, the Minor League Baseball team announced Tuesday. Robinson Cancel was promoted to his new role after managing the minor league Spokane Indians for the last three seasons. Both teams are associated with the Colorado Rockies; Spokane is the High-A affiliate, and Hartford is the Double-A affiliate.
A former New York Mets catcher was named as the Hartford Yard Goats' new manager for the 2026 season, the Minor League Baseball team announced Tuesday.
Robinson Cancel was promoted to his new role after managing the minor league Spokane Indians for the last three seasons. Both teams are associated with the Colorado Rockies; Spokane is the High-A affiliate, and Hartford is the Double-A affiliate.
“We are delighted to welcome Robinson to Hartford, and our Yard Goats family,” Yard Goats General Manager Mike Abramson said. “Robinson has an excellent track record of winning and development, and we are excited to watch him and his coaches guide our club in 2026.”
Cancel, a 49-year-old native of Lajas, Puerto Rico, will be the sixth manager in franchise history, replacing Bobby Meacham, who coached the team in 2024 and 2025.
Yard Goats spokesperson Jeff Dooley noted that it is "very common for a major league team to move coaches around within their organization," and they "typically get a new manager every couple of years."
Meacham's next role is currently unclear.
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As noted by the Yard Goats, Cancel played 27 games with the New York Mets in 2008. He went 12-for-49 (.245) with two doubles, one home run, and five RBI. The Mets posted a 16-11 record in the games he appeared in.
He also played Major League Baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros.
This upcoming season will be Cancel's 10th coaching with the Rockies organization and his first at Double-A level.
The Yard Goats' 2026 season will open with a home game at Dunkin' Park on April 2 at 7:10 p.m., playing against the Chesapeake Baysox, the Baltimore Orioles affiliate.
Single game tickets for all home games will go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. More ticket information can be found on the Yard Goats' website or by calling 860-246-GOAT.
Sean Humphrey is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
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Category: General Sports
