The State Of The JackHammers
April 28, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL - With only 30 days until opening day, it is with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm that the whole team provides you with the State of the Joliet JackHammers. A lot has changed since last season and it is necessary to inform our community partners, season ticket holders and JackHammer Fans of all the excitement that is surrounding the 2010 season. By introducing this annual report, the JackHammers hope to create a better understanding of the team's off season and the time and preparation that goes into a summer full of JackHammer baseball.
The JackHammers organization has experienced a significant makeover since the conclusion of the 2009 season. Following a disappointing season both on the field and at the turnstiles, JackHammers Chairman, Pete Ferro, assumed the title and responsibilities of team President. In September 2009, Mr. Ferro named Jamie Toole Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Joliet JackHammers. Mr. Toole was a member of the 2002 inaugural JackHammer front office staff and rejoined the JackHammers organization with a commitment to reengage our community and rebrand the JackHammers.
As fall crept in so did many challenging decisions, including the overhauling of the front office administrative staff. Upon the revamping of the front office staff, which included bringing on six new executives to join the JackHammer family, the focus was then turned to finding a resolution to the ongoing negotiations between the JackHammers and the City of Joliet. Today, the JackHammers are proud to announce that they have not only reached an agreement with the City of Joliet, but have reestablished their relationship with the City and are pleased to be working under a continued seven year lease to keep the JackHammers here in Joliet.
Over the past several months, the JackHammers have made a new commitment to advertising and promoting the organization throughout the region. While some of the advertising efforts have been unconventional to say the least, it is the teams hope that all JackHammers fans will be excited and energized about the 2010 season.
As of April 28, 2010 there are only 30 days until the JackHammers 2010 Home Opener, Friday, May 28th at 7:10 pm at Silver Cross Field in downtown Joliet. The JackHammers will face off against the Northern League's newest expansion team, the Lake County Fielders, who are partially owned by legendary actor and musician, Kevin Costner. It is the hope of the team that Mr. Costner will make a trip to Joliet to participate in the Fielders opening weekend in the Chicagoland area. The Fielders permanent home will be in Zion, Illinois where they are currently working on a new ballpark, scheduled to be completed to prior to the 2011 Northern League season.
In addition to the Lake County Fielders, the Northern Leagues has welcomed another expansion club for the 2010 season, brining the league up to eight teams. The Rockford RiverHawks, based in Rockford, Illinois, join the Northern League from the Frontier League.
The JackHammers named Chad Parker as manager for the 2010 season. Since being named field manager, Mr. Parker has been working hard every day to put together a JackHammers roster that will represent the City of Champions and contend for the JackHammers fist Northern League Championship. From a baseball prospective, the JackHammers goal is to play hard enough and win enough games to make it to the 2010 Northern League playoffs and win the franchises first playoff game and Northern League Championship. The JackHammers have a commitment to producing championship baseball in Joliet. The current roster includes former Chicago Cubs pitcher and Morris, Illinois native, Billy Petrick.
The JackHammers can once again be heard all season on 1340 WJOL as the organization and local radio station have entered into a three year agreement. All 100 Northern League games will be heard on the airwaves and also online as Jason Lamar takes over as the "Voice of the JackHammers." All Sunday games this season can heard on the JackHammers Radio Network with 1320 WKAN in Kankakee joining the JackHammer family.
In addition to a team that fans can be proud of, the front office staff has been working feverishly to construct the most entertaining and action packed promotional schedule in minor league baseball. This season, expect the unexpected and do not miss out on 3-D Fireworks Extravaganzas, Six Bobblehead Doll giveaways, and unbelievable entertainment appearances by the Zooperstars, Team Ghost Riders (Monkey Cowboys who ride on the back of dogs), a Jimmy Buffet Tribute artist, Mini-KISS in concert and the world famous San Diego Chicken! Fans prepare yourselves for the most exciting summer in JackHammer history and stay tuned to the website for the full promotional schedule to be released soon!
Northern League Stories from April 28, 2010
- Northern League Transactions - NL
- The State Of The JackHammers - Joliet JackHammers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
