WINDY CITY NAMES MLB ALL-STAR RICHIE SEXSON FIELD MANAGER
The Windy City ThunderBolts are excited to announce Major League Baseball All-Star slugger Richie Sexson as the club's field manager for the 2023 season.
This will be the first professional managerial position for Sexson, who has spent much of the last decade as director of baseball at Summit High School in Bend, Oregon. He played for 12 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1997-2008.
"Please join me in welcoming Richie to the ThunderBolts," said team owner Brian Kahn. "Richie is ideally suited to help our Bolts' players achieve their goals of advancing their careers on the field and lead our team toward its goal of bringing a Frontier League championship back to Crestwood."
During his big league career, Sexson played for the Indians, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Mariners and Yankees. He was a career .262 hitter with 309 total home runs. In 2002 and 2003, he was a National League All-Star while a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He drove in 100 or more runs six times in his 12-year career and hit 30 or more home runs six times, including two years with 45. In 2014, Sexson was inducted to the Brewers' Wall of Honor.
"We are thrilled to welcome Richie as a member of the Windy City ThunderBolts family," stated General Manager Mike VerSchave. "Richie's vast experience and success at a Major League level will translate well to both finding and developing players towards a successful 2023 season."
As the 19th manager in ThunderBolts history, Sexson will continue to work with hitters, taking over a Windy City team that came within two home runs of a franchise record, hitting 98 as a team in 2021. He will also be responsible for building the roster as he looks to guide the Bolts to the Frontier League playoffs in 2023.
"I am extremely honored to be named Field Manager of the Windy City ThunderBolts," said Sexson. "I would like to personally thank owner Brian Kahn and General Manager Mike VerSchave for this amazing opportunity. With your help let's all make the 2023 season and beyond an amazing experience! Go Bolts!"
Sexson will replace Brian Smith who had been at the helm of the team since 2019. During Smith's tenure, six players signed with Major League Baseball organizations, including current big leaguer Adam Oller of the Oakland Athletics. Smith departs the ThunderBolts with 118 wins, third most in club managerial history.
"We want to thank both Brian Smith and coach Kevin Santiago for their time and efforts during their four years in Crestwood. I will cherish our time together both personally and professionally and wish them nothing but the best during their future endeavors," said VerSchave.
Sexson has already started to put together his 2023 coaching staff with the hire of Chris Coleman as Third Base Coach and Infield Coordinator. The native of Los Altos, California played collegiate ball at San Jose City College. A pitching coach will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sexson's Major League playing career began on the South Side of Chicago when he made his debut against the White Sox in 1997. His pro managerial career will also begin on the South Side as the ThunderBolts open the 2023 season at Ozinga Field in Crestwood on Thursday, May 11th at 6:35 pm against the Schaumburg Boomers. It is an Opening Night "Thirsty Thursday" with amazing beer specials all night long. Group tickets of all kinds including Executive Suites, picnics and our popular Glenmark #WinCity Party Patio will go on-sale to the general public Monday, November 24th. Single game tickets will go on-sale Friday, April 7th at 10 am. For more information please call us at 708-489-2255.
