LYNN, Mass. -- The North Shore Navigators are proud to announce that PJ Browne has been hired as the pitching coach at Franklin Pierce University after serving in the same role for the Navs during the 2020 season.

Browne has quickly made his mark in the coaching world since graduating in 2018 as one of the top pitchers in Merrimack College history. He brought invaluable experience to the Navs this summer and guided a staff that was the third-best in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League after pitching in the league for three summers during his own career.

The Rutland, Mass., native coached at Fitchburg State University during the spring after joining that program last December. Browne spent the prior fall as a volunteer assistant coach at Merrimack and has also served as a youth travel coach and one-on-one pitching instructor.

“PJ is a rising star in the college coaching ranks,” Navs President & General Manager Derek January said. “His energy is infectious and he will do great things at Franklin Pierce. It is a perfect fit. We’re proud we get to call him a Nav.”

Browne set Merrimack records for wins (18), strikeouts (266) and innings pitched (256.1) by the end of a four-year college career during which he was a two-time All-Northeast-10 Conference performer. After a championship-winning senior season with the Warriors, Browne’s pro career included time in both the American Association and Frontier League.

As a result of his move to Franklin Pierce, Browne will not return to the North Shore dugout in 2021. Interested pitching coach candidates for the Navigators’ 2021 season should contact Derek January ([email protected]) for more information and to apply.

As the offseason continues, stay up to date on the latest Navs news by visiting nsnavs.com and following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.