STAUNTON – The Staunton Braves have announced that George Laase will be returning to the organization as the team’s head coach for the 2026 season.
Laase first joined the Braves in 2003 as a player. The Fairmont State standout was part of the 2003 team that won the VBL South Pennant.
Laase served as Braves assistant coach in 2004-05, 2007 and 2012.
He took over as the team’s head coach from 2013-17, winning the South Division pennant and advancing to the playoff championship series in 2015. The Braves made the playoffs in all fives seasons that Laase was the head coach.
“There has always been a part that wanted to come back to finish what we stated for the Staunton Braves. I’m excited for the opportunity to come back home.
“I’ve told many folks before, without the Snyder family and the Staunton Braves, I would not be where I am today with my coaching career or personal life.”
He was the associate head coach for the Harrisonburg Turks in 2018 and 2019 before becoming the head coach for the Strasburg Express for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Laase led the Express to the North Division pennant and the VBL title in 2021.
During his time as a coach in the VBL, Laase has coached 50 MLB draft picks and 15 players who have played in the Major Leagues, including JC Escarra (Yankees), Romy Gonzalez (Red Sox) and Rhett Lowder (Reds)
Laase is currently the head coach at Broadway High School.