By Nathan Foley
BUFFALO — Buffalo Bisons manager Ken Oberkfell now has a new coach on his staff. Bill Masse replaced Luis Natera as the team’s hitting coach on Wednesday. Masse, who was previously with AA Binghamton, understands that this is just part of the game.
“You do it long enough and stuff like this happens,” Masse said. “It’s no fault of anybody. Sometimes in baseball, a change is needed.”
Masse will bring a new attitude and philosophy to a Bison (18-39) squad that currently sits in last place in the International League. He will have his work cut out for him, as he inherits a team with a .231 batting average, second-lowest in the league.
“I just try to be very positive,” Masse said. “The hitting part is nice because you can get the chance to always be positive. Just don’t get down, don’t get down. Just keep staying positive. It’s easier said than done sometimes when you are really struggling, but me being the new guy in, I haven’t seen it so I can be as positive as possible.”
The Herd responded extremely well in the first game with Masse aboard. The Bisons exploded for 15 total hits and a season-high 13 runs. The runs kept coming, but Masse didn’t lose any passion.
“I’m the first guy out there when guys score runs,” he said. “It’s just the way I am. I am here for three hours. I am going to get into the game. I’m into it from pitch one until the end. I don’t care what the score is. That’s just how I am. I’ve always been like that.”
Masse can give all the advice he wants, but he won’t take any at-bats. Cory Sullivan, who had four hits in Masse’s debut, knows that much of the burden still falls on the players.
“I think at this level guys need to hold themselves a little more accountable, not necessarily a coaching staff holding us accountable,” Sullivan said.
Masse will do everything he can to try and help the team. He brings many attributes to the table that the Bisons could benefit from.
“I have a lot of energy,” Masse said. “I am very competitive. I hate to lose. I don’t want guys to ever give away at-bats. I don’t care what the score is. I just love to compete. You have got to keep guys upbeat and positive. That’s my job, no matter how bad it’s going. You have got to do it, otherwise it’s going to get worse.”
Masse added: “Hitting has always been a passion of mine. This is just a chance for me to take it to another level.”
