The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced on Sunday morning that manager Reid Brignac will be rejoining the Tampa Bay Rays organization, making his return to the franchise where he spent several years as a player.
Brignac was an infielder with Tampa Bay from 2008 through 2012, and now he’ll head back to the club where his Major League journey began.
A Remarkable Run in Binghamton
Brignac wasn’t just a manager in Binghamton, he built something special. He was named the 2025 Eastern League Manager of the Year after leading the Rumble Ponies to one of the best seasons in franchise history. Binghamton won an impressive 90 regular season wins, a new franchise record and earned national attention within Minor League Baseball.
A Leader Who Lifted Players and a Community
According to the Rumble Ponies, Brignac sent countless players to the Major Leagues during his time in Binghamton and embodied what it means to be a Rumble Pony. His impact went beyond the wins column. He became a respected voice in the clubhouse and a figure the community embraced.
What’s Next for RumbleTown
While we are sad to see him go, the organization made it clear how proud they are of his next step. Even though Brignac is leaving, the Ponies will head into 2026 looking to build on the momentum he started.
A Message of Gratitude
In their announcement, the Rumble Ponies thanked Brignac for everything he brought to the franchise and wished him luck as he begins the next chapter of his coaching journey with Tampa Bay. They wrapped it with a line every fan in RumbleTown knows well, “Once a Rumble Pony, always a Rumble Pony.”
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Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor
A Lookback at Binghamton Sports
Binghamton is a city filled with culture and community. What is one piece of culture that brings the community together? Sports; and Binghamton has a long line of historic teams.