UNITED STATES – The Joliet JackHammers Field Manager Chad Parker takes some time to answer a few questions for our fans in this JackHammer Q&A session.

Q: Chad, why were you attracted to coming to Joliet and managing the JackHammers?

A: Since I have been in independent baseball, I have always viewed Joliet as a premier job with unlimited opportunity. The ballpark is great, the city loves baseball and the ownership has a great reputation for doing things the right way. I feel the JackHammers are a major step up in my career.

Q: What does the JackHammers field manager do during this time of year?

A: Everyday, I am searching the internet for players that were recently released, making calls all over baseball about players that are available and exploring trade opportunities.

Q: What are your thoughts on the talent in the Northern League verses some of the other independent leagues in the country?

A: I view the Northern League as a AA-level league, I like it because it still has some younger players mixed with older veterans. The quality of the players makes the Northern League one of the premier leagues in the country.

Q: What can JackHammer fans expect to see when they come out to see a Chad Parker managed team in 2010?

A: you can expect a team that goes about their business the same way everyday. We will respect the game and play it hard, we will respect the fans and give them the effort that they are paying to see, we will respect the other team and the umpires and hold ourselves to a high standard of conduct and we will be a positive asset to the organization. Win or lose, every night the fans of Joliet will see the effort to be the best we can be that night.

Q: Will your family be joining you in Joliet this summer?

A: My family will be coming along with me this summer. My wife Beth, sons Jake (6), Luke (2) and Zack (5 months) will be at the ballpark a lot and will be looking forward to meeting the great fans of Joliet. Zack will be learning how to walk, so we will accept any and all babysitters during the games.

Q: Any last thoughts for JackHammer Fans?

A: I cant wait for the season to start and become a positive part of the Joliet community.

LOOSE GRAVEL: Don’t miss the “Block Wednesday” Street Party on November 25th. There will be food, beer, soda, and wine for sale. Other events will include a Bean Bag and Stick Ball Tourney along with a bonfire, a pie eating contest, 50/50 raffles, silent auction, ProShop Sale, hayrides and a bat burning with a blessing for 2010. For everyone’s entertainment a DJ will be playing some tunes and for a small donation you can even catch a glimpse of a “Man Eating Turkey.”

Tickets for this event can be purchased by stopping by the JackHammers office Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:30 or by purchasing them over the phone on a credit card.

Season tickets, group outings, and suites are available now. To take advantage of November’s “Turkey & Tickets” specials, contact the JackHammers Ticket Department at 815.726.BALL (2255).

Photo courtesy of www.jackhammerbaseball.com

Source: Joliet JackHammers

Tags: Independent Leagues