A New Era in Alexandria: Brian Wirth Steps Up at Frank Mann Field

By Evan Joseph

The standard at Frank Mann Field is remarkably high. Over the past five summers, the Alexandria Aces have solidified themselves as a Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League powerhouse, stringing together five consecutive winning seasons, three straight regular-season titles from 2022 to 2024, and a league championship in 2022.

Following a 2025 campaign that culminated in a 24-16 record and a league runner-up finish, the franchise is shifting gears. For the first time since 2018, someone other than Chris Berset will be writing the lineup card on a nightly basis. 

Berset leaves behind an unmatched legacy, departing with the highest winning percentage in team history at .598.

Enter Brian Wirth, the newly appointed manager tasked with replicating that historic success and directing the next chapter of Aces baseball.

"It’s an honor to join this history," Wirth said. "But you can't coach scared of the past. My job is to develop these young men."

Wirth arrives in Alexandria after serving as the hitting coach at Division II Frostburg State University since late 2023, where he has helped propel the Bobcats to some of their highest win counts and their first-ever NCAA DII Tournament berth in 2024. 

Prior to that, his collegiate coaching resume featured a three-season stint as an assistant coach and infield specialist at St. John's University in the Big East Conference.

The Aces were founded in 2008. Since then, the franchise has grown to boast 10 playoff appearances, nine winning seasons, and 50 MLB Draft picks. For team president Frank Fannon, bringing in Wirth represents an opportunity to sustain a winning culture while developing top-tier collegiate talent.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Brian," Fannon said. "He brings a wealth of baseball knowledge."

Fannon also noted that Wirth possesses a "competitive drive that aligns perfectly with our organizational goals" and called him "the ideal leader to keep that tradition alive".

Wirth inherits a franchise steeped in statistical dominance. The clubs he will be measured against set massive high-water marks: the 2022 team led the league hitting .302, and the 2023 squad won a franchise record 32 games.

"We want to play fast, aggressive baseball," Wirth said. "If you force the issue on the basepaths, you force mistakes."

Maintaining that relentless identity while managing standout arms remains a priority for an organization that produced MLB pitchers Kyle Zimmer and Kevin Kelly.

"Pitching and defense win championships," Wirth noted. "Our staff will attack the zone. We need to dictate the tempo from the very first pitch."

While replacing Berset brings immense pressure, Wirth remains unfazed, focusing heavily on his player-first philosophy.

"My goal is to give these players the tools they need," Wirth said. "Play fundamental baseball and compete with high energy, the wins will take care of themselves."

With a fresh voice in the dugout, the Wirth era is officially underway.