Virginia Beach Native Ware Returns Home as Tides' Pitching Coach

Ware, a former MLB pitcher, is excited to work with young players and help them reach the big leagues.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:54am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the raw energy and movement of the sport.Ware's return to his hometown as the Tides' pitching coach represents a unique opportunity to guide the next generation of Hampton Roads baseball talent.Virginia Beach Today

Jeff Ware, a Virginia Beach native and former MLB pitcher, has been named the new pitching coach for the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Ware, who played for the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1990s, is excited to return to his hometown and work with the next generation of players as they strive to make it to the majors.

Why it matters

Ware's homecoming represents a unique opportunity for him to share his professional experience with up-and-coming players from the Hampton Roads region. As a former first-round draft pick, Ware can provide valuable insights and guidance to help these young prospects achieve their dreams of playing in the big leagues.

The details

Ware, who attended First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round in 1991 after pitching for Old Dominion University. He made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 1995 and spent parts of two seasons in the majors. Ware's professional career was hampered by injuries, but he is now looking to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of players as the Tides' pitching coach.

  • Ware was named the Tides' pitching coach prior to the 2026 season.
  • The Tides are currently on the road, playing a series against the Durham Bulls this week.

The players

Jeff Ware

A Virginia Beach native and former MLB pitcher who was drafted in the first round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1991. He is now the new pitching coach for the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

Trey Gibson

A pitcher for the Norfolk Tides who also hails from the Hampton Roads region, graduating from Grafton High School.

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What they’re saying

“Him and I have kicked off kind of from the get-go. I think he's got a great personality, I think he really cares about us as players and as people so he's done a lot for me so far.”

— Trey Gibson, Norfolk Tides Pitcher

“He's been in baseball for so long, he's seen everything there is to see in the minors and probably in the majors. He's very supportive as us as players.”

— Trey Gibson, Norfolk Tides Pitcher

“I wish I could've been a little bit healthier and things like that. Maybe I would've been on the field a little bit more, but I'm proud of what I did and at the end of the day when I look in the mirror, I knew I worked as hard as I could to get where I did and now I'm doing it on the coaching side, trying to get these young guys back to the big leagues.”

— Jeff Ware, Norfolk Tides Pitching Coach

What’s next

The Tides will return home next week to host the Memphis Redbirds for a six-game series.

The takeaway

Ware's homecoming as the Tides' pitching coach represents an opportunity for him to share his professional experiences and insights with young players from the Hampton Roads region, helping them achieve their dreams of playing in the major leagues.