Another Hawk to the Pros!

2026-01-06

Riverhawks Hitting Coach accepts role with Blue Jays organization!

Mark Ossanna, a day-one Riverhawk, has accepted an opportunity within the Toronto Blue Jays organization, serving as a hitting coach in the Dominican Summer League!

“It’s a great opportunity for me to continue growing as a coach and help develop young players at the professional level,” Mark said.

Originally from Chandler, Arizona, Ossanna attended Minot State University in his collegiate career while spending the summers of 2022 and 2023 on the first base bag as a Riverhawk. He returned to the team in 2025 as a hitting coach, splitting those duties with Tanner Kirwer.

(Caption: Ossanna (left), who played for the Riverhawks in 2022 and 2023, returned to Edmonton in 2025 splitting hitting coach duties with Tanner Kirwer (right))

“My time in Edmonton with the Riverhawks, both as a player and a coach, played a huge role in preparing me for this opportunity,” said Ossanna. “The environment created and the trust given allowed me to grow, learn, and develop my coaching approach, and I’m incredibly grateful for that foundation.”

The Dominican Summer League Blue Jays are a rookie affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays who play out of Boca Chica Baseball City Complex in the Dominican Republic, competing against teams from other Major League Baseball organizations. Ossanna’s role will primarily be working with hitters on daily cage work, swing development, game planning and overall offensive development while also working in conjunction with the team’s performance and coaching staff.

“It's a special opportunity for Mark and it's been fun to watch his playing career and on-field leadership develop and impact his ability to be an effective coach,” said Head Coach, Jake Lanferman. “He's personable, hard-working, and has a will to continue to learn from those around him, which is a main reason as to why he's earned such a great opportunity with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.”

Ossanna is part of a growing trend of Hawks talent moving on to the majors, with eight players drafted and three signed as free agents throughout the team's brief history.

“It speaks volume about our local baseball community and the support he felt when playing for our organization,” said Lanferman. “Seeing him be able to use it as a stepping stone for another opportunity in professional baseball is a proud moment for our organization and we’re excited to follow along with his journey.”

We wish Mark the best of luck in his new role!

(Caption: Ossanna held down the fort at first base as a player before his coaching stint in Edmonton)