RI NATIONALS PROGRAM DIRECTORS
Management
Chris Gagner
As one of the programs co-founders, Coach Gagner oversees the day-to-day operations of the RI Nationals Baseball program. Serving as both Program Director and Manager of various teams within the organization, Chris is actively involved in the ongoing teaching, recruitment, and advancement of the Nationals baseball family.
Mr. Gagner is an active board member of Bristol - King Phillip Little League and most recently served for several years as League Commissioner and Director of League All-Star programs.
Mr. Gagner is a state certified NFHS coach, National Federation of Highschool Sports.
Jay Thompson
Coach Thompson has been an integral part of the Nationals organization for the past three seasons serving as Assistant Program Director and Co-Manager of various teams within the Club.
Mr. Thompson is also an active board member of Warren Little League where he has most recently served as the leagues President for the past 4 seasons. In 2020 he was part of the Warren Little League coaching staff who accomplished the title of 10U Rhode Island All-Star Champions.
Mr. Thompson is a state certified NFHS coach, National Federation of Highschool Sports.
Manny DaSilva
Coach DaSilva a graduate of Mt. Hope (Bristol) Highschool as part of the 1991 class went on to play collegiately at the University of North Carolina, (Chapel Hill), where he earned the honors of NCAA Division 1 All-American in 1994. Later that year DaSilva was a member of the Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft and selected by the Oakland Athletics.
During Coach DaSilva’s high school and college carrier he earned the following Rhode Island and National athletic distinctions:
- Three-time Rhode Island Athletic 1st Team Member (High School)
- 1992 NCAA Div 1 National Player of the Week (UNC)
-1993 Cape Cod Baseball League
-1994 Carolina Baseball MVP
-1994 All-ACC Team (UNC)
-1994 NCAA Division 1 All- American (UNC)
-1994 MLB Draft - Selected by the Oakland Athletics
-Former Assistant Coach - Roger Williams University (Hitting and Catching)
Currently Coach DaSilva teaches hitting and catching to numerous athletes throughout the state and serves as advisor/trainer through his facility.
As Show Case Select Program Director Coach DaSilva will serve as lead director for player and coaching development, recruitment, and collegiate placement. We believe this unique opportunity allows the RI Nationals Baseball Club to once again raise the level of service to our members and further set us apart from our competition.