Cody Herald has been named the fourth manager of the Butler BlueSox, who open their ninth season May 30 at Kelly Automotive Park.

Herald, 24, was given the position during a meeting of the BlueSox ownership group Wednesday night. He succeeds Jason Radwan as skipper of the team. Radwan had planned to return for a third season as manager, but a recent work promotion does not permit him to commit the time.

“Jason had an opportunity to move into full-time work in his career field (youth counseling),” BlueSox part owner and spokesman William “Wink” Robinson said. “While the timing isn’t great for us, three weeks before the season starts, we totally support that and wish him well.”

Herald is a Butler graduate and a former Golden Tornado basketball and baseball standout. He also played college baseball at Seton Hill University and spent two summers with the BlueSox as a player.

Herald played for the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League briefly in 2015. He also served briefly as a BlueSox assistant coach.

“They (BlueSox) first called me two or three days ago. I’m extremely excited about this,” Herald said. “I want to pursue a career in baseball as a coach.

“I’m from here. I played for the BlueSox and I love this city. I would do anything for it.”

Robinson said what Herald lacks in coaching experience “he makes up for with a passion for the game and so many other intangibles. And he’s a Butler guy, which is a bonus for us.

“When I first learned Jason wasn’t coming back, I thought of Cody right away. He has the ability to work with people and he’s a quality individual.”

“Cody knows baseball and he loves the game,” said Butler boys basketball coach Matt Clement, who coached Herald. “I’m very supportive of this decision.

“Cody has helped out with the varsity baseball and basketball teams at Butler. He’s coaching ninth grade basketball ... He’s building a nice coaching resume’ for himself.”

Herald’s assistant coach will be Josh Forbes, a four-year teammate at Seton Hill who now serves as an assistant coach at Wittenberg (Ohio) University.

“My biggest challenge will be the fact I’m only 24 and the guys on the team may view me as another player,” Herald admitted. “But I played for a great college coach (Marc Marizzaldi), learned a lot from him and I think I’ll gain their respect.”

Herald said he recognizes the grueling Prospect League schedule and that “players get tired.” He added that motivation plays a key in getting past the fatigue.

“On our few days off, it’s important to take the day off,” Herald said. “When you get tired, you have to understand this league is like a minor league. It provides opportunity to help build a baseball career, so you have to push through.”

Herald said he can see himself coaching the BlueSox for at least a couple of seasons.

“It’s a stepping-stone type of job no matter how you look at it,” he said. “It’s one I’m very excited about. I can’t wait to get started.”

Radwan was 62-58 in his two seasons as BlueSox manager, including 29-31 last year. Jason Wuerfel was the original BlueSox manager, followed by Anthony Rebyanski.