Jeff Pluta enters his second season as Head Coach with the Herons. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Pluta has been coaching baseball for 15 years. For two years, Pluta worked with hitters, developed the defense, and coached first base for Plattsburgh State University, a NCAA DIII program. In his first year with the team, the Cardinals reduced the number of errors by nearly 30% and saw three players selected as second team All-SUNYAC. Other responsibilities included recruiting, practice planning, and working prospect camps.

Pluta has also served as the Head Coach of the Queen City Corndogs in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League. In the team's first season, he guided the Dogs to a league-leading offense in nearly every category, and appeared in the league championship. Pluta holds a 71-57 record managing in the SCBL, while helping dozens of players be recruited to new programs. As the Head Coach of Smith Academy (MA) for six seasons, Pluta compiled a 89-36 record, while making the playoffs every year; including 20-3 and 21-4 seasons. The team made its only State Tournament appearance in program history and were three-time Hampshire League Champions. He also served as the 18u Head Coach and Pitching Coordinator for the Westfield Renegades, a travel baseball team in Massachusetts.

Pluta holds Masters Degrees in Fitness and Wellness Leadership, as well as in Education from Plattsburgh State and UMass. He lives with his wife, Tsetsi, in Kittery, ME.