Press Releases

Our Former Coaches Get Called Up Too!

The Windy City ThunderBolts are proud that a number of former coaches, in addition to many players, have moved up and signed affiliated deals for 2012.  Here is a summary of what ThunderBolts' coaches of the past are doing this summer in big league organizations!

ANDY HAINES, ThunderBolts Field Manager in 2007, will manage the Miami Marlins Class "A" Advanced Jupiter Hammerheads in 2012.  After Andy lead our Bolts to their first Frontier League Championship he was quickly signed by the Miami Marlins, then Florida Marlins, to be the Hitting Coach for the Gulf Coast Marlins (Rookie) for 2008.  For the 2009 season he was promoted to Field Manager of the Jamestown Jammers (Short "A").  Haines continued the climb as he spent the next two seasons for the Greensboro Grasshoppers ("A") which included a 2011 South Atlantic League championship.

TOMMY THOMPSON, ThunderBolts Field Manager in 2009, will manage the Chicago White Sox Class "A" Advanced Winston-Salem Dash in 2012.  For the ThunderBolts in 2009 Tommy led the club to their third straight postseason appearance.  He was signed back into the Chicago White Sox organization to be the roving catching instructor for 2010.  The White Sox put Thompson back at the helm of a club as he was named Field Manager for the Kannapolis Intimidators ("A") for 2011 just missing a berth in the playoffs.

BRENDON SAGARA, ThunderBolts Pitching Coach in 2007, will be pitching coach for the Miami Marlins Class Short "A" Jamestown Jammers in 2012.  Brendon was a major part of the 2007 champion ThunderBolts as Pitching Coach under Andy Haines.  After moving around the independent league ranks as Pitching Coach from 2008-2011 he was hired by the Miami Marlins to serve as pitching coach for the Jamestown Jammers for 2012.

RONNY DECK, ThunderBolts Hitting Coach in 2007, Bullpen Catcher & Assistant to the Hitting Coach for the Baltimore Orioles (MLB) since 2008.  Ronny was a big part of the 2007 championship ThunderBolts as Hitting Coach under Andy Haines.  After the 2007 season he was hired by the Orioles to be their Bullpen Catcher where he currently is in that position.

The ThunderBolts are proud of both their player and coaching alumni and look forward to being a great feeder organization for affiliated ball in the future!

The Windy City ThunderBolts open their 14th Frontier League season on Thursday, May 17th vs. Joliet at Standard Bank Stadium with a special one-game homestand featuring $1.25 beer and post-game fireworks!  Season tickets, flex plans, fundraisers, and group outing opportunities are available now!  Single-game tickets go on sale Saturday, April 28th at 10:00 am.  Call 708-489-BALL or check out wcthunderbolts.com for more information!




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