The Perth Heat have ushered in a new era with the appointment of Perry Roth as their manager, a decision the American coach didn't make without first seeking approval from his former mentor and predecessor, Andy Kyle.
Roth's appointment comes at a crucial time for the club, which has endured three consecutive grand final losses and faced financial uncertainty before new owners took charge. The team now looks to Roth to lead them into a fresh chapter of Australian Baseball League competition.
Seeking Blessing from a Legend
Before accepting the position, Roth made a point of consulting with Kyle, the man who previously helmed the ABL powerhouse and served as Roth's mentor during his time as an assistant with the Heat two years ago.
"I wouldn't take this job if I didn't have Andy Kyle's blessing in doing so," Roth revealed. "He's been so great to me and so many other coaches and players from the Rays that we just have such respect for him."
Kyle's response was overwhelmingly positive, with Roth noting his former boss said "he'd love for me to come back and there's zero issues in coming over and being the next guy to follow him."
Building on a Strong Foundation
Roth brings extensive coaching experience from the American minor leagues and has been part of Major League Baseball side Tampa Bay Rays' development pipeline since 2022. The Rays maintain a long-standing partnership with Perth that facilitated Roth's initial stint as an assistant under Kyle.
The new manager expressed particular admiration for Kyle's innovative approach and human touch, qualities that left a lasting impression during his previous season in Western Australia.
"His care factor is through the roof; really cares about the players, the coaches and the staff," Roth said. "He has a growth mindset, it's not one of those mindsets that is just stuck in its ways."
Immediate Challenges and Opportunities
Roth's first test as Perth Heat manager comes this Thursday when the team begins their ABL campaign with a four-game home series against Adelaide Giants at Empire Ballpark in Canning Vale.
This won't be Roth's debut in the NSR Hire Ballpark dugout, having previously served there as an assistant, but it marks his first time leading the team from the top position.
Despite the differences between Australian and American baseball cultures, Roth spoke highly of his previous experience with the Heat, noting the quality of the environment and the welcoming nature of Australian players.
"The Australian players on a team are just good people. They were very welcoming, almost from day one," he observed. "They want to be coached, challenged, to get better."
Roth's appointment signals a fresh start for the Perth Heat as they aim to move past recent disappointments and build a successful new chapter under leadership that values both innovation and the human element of the game.
