Rocky Vonachen is stepping down as president of the Peoria Chiefs (Low A; Midwest League), saying that he’s ready to be done with the daily grind of running a Minor League Baseball team. (more…)
Tag Archives | rocky vonachen
Legislation Would Exempt MiLB Players From Overtime Regs
After Minor League Baseball owners and executives descended on Washington, D.C. last Wednesday to discuss the economic state of the sport with lawmakers, we have a piece of legislation in the works: the Save America’s Pastime Act. (more…)
Chiefs, Cardinals extend PDC through 2020
Another PDC to announce: The Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) and St. Louis Cardinals have extended their player-development contract for four additional years, through the 2020 season. The current four-year deal was signed in September 2012 and runs through the 2016 season. “The Peoria Chiefs continue to run a first-class operation providing us […]
In memoriam: Pete Vonachen
Pete Vonachen, the guiding spirit behind the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) since 1983, passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Vonachen was already an important member of the Peoria community when he bought the then-Peoria Suns in 1983; he was a high-profile restaurateur and entrepreneur with several businesses to his name. […]
New for 2013: Dozer Park
The Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) have sold naming ballpark rights to Caterpillar under a 10-year, $2-million deal, with result being Dozer Park. “The company was founded on the bulldozer,” said Jim Baumgartner, Director of Corporate Affairs. “We wanted to choose something that represents Caterpillar’s heritage but also represents Peoria. This is our […]
Peoria approves Chiefs debt restructuring
The Peoria City Council easily approved a $1.2-million debt-reduction package for the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League), clearing the way for the team to restructure some $7.35 million in debt. The proposal, which passed 9-1, wipes out debt owed to the city on Peoria Chiefs Stadium. With city approval, private lenders will move […]
Chiefs face financial problems on ballpark debt
The Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) are reportedly seeking public assistance on debt remaining on Peoria Chiefs Stadium, as the team faces financial issues on the outstanding bank loan and property-tax fronts. There is $4.2 million of debt remaining on the ballpark, and the team has faced some financial issues in the last […]
Chiefs, Cards sign four-year PDC
Another change on the affiliation front: the St. Louis Cardinals and the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) have signed a new player-development contract, through 2016. The Cardinals had been affiliated with the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League); the Chiefs are coming off a long-term relationship with the Chicago Cubs. […]
Cubs, Kane County talking affiliation
In a move that could spawn some tampering charges and fines, sources with the Chicago Cubs say they’re working on a new affiliation deal with the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League). While the move is certainly more convenient for the Cubs — Kane County plays in Geneva in the western-Chicago suburbs — […]
Cubs to honor Pete Vonachen
Nice honor for Pete Vonachen: the owner of the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) will be honored by the Chicago Cubs during a Wrigley Field pregame ceremony before Wednesday night’s game; he’ll also lead the crowd in the Seventh Inning Stretch festivities. On May 11 at Wrigley Field, Pete and his family will […]
PSC snares Peoria Chiefs concessions deal
Professional Sports Catering and the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League) announced today that Professional Sports Catering, LLC will manage the food and beverage operation at the home of the Chiefs, O’Brien Field. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Chiefs,” said Tom Dickson, CEO of PSC. “O’Brien Field is one of the […]