CRESTWOOD -- Windy City ThunderBolts manager Brian Nelson was suspended for six games as a result of his actions following Sunday’s loss to the Gateway Grizzlies. He has decided to leave the team, the ThunderBolts announced Tuesday. Bench coach Mike Kashirsky will take over as the interim manager for the ThunderBolts.
“We wish Brian the best in his future endeavors,” said ThunderBolts General Manager Steve Tahsler. “We feel confident in Mike Kashirsky leading Windy City for the rest of the 2008 campaign.”
Kashirsky has been with the team since the 2004 season as the team’s bench coach. He also played for the Cook County Cheetahs in 2000. Kashirsky recently served as head coach at Moraine Valley Community College, leading his program to a sectional title setting a school record for wins.
His previous coaching experience includes time as an Assistant Coach at his alma mater St. Joseph’s College, Providence College, Providence Catholic High School, and other various youth travel teams.
Kashirsky played four years at St. Joseph’s before signing as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox organization, spending time with the club’s rookie level affiliate. He also played with the Mariana Braves of the Professional Italian Baseball League.
He is currently the head coach of the Robert Morris University baseball team. This will be the first professional managerial experience of his career. Kashirsky becomes the ThunderBolts’ 14th manager in franchise history.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of being the captain of the team,” said Kashirsky. “We are in the midst of a pennant race and I’m excited about the rest of this season.”
The Windy City ThunderBolts are currently in third place in the Frontier League’s West Division, one game out of first place.
The ThunderBolts began a three-game series with the Chillicothe Paints on Tuesday evening with all three games at Standard Bank Stadium starting at 7:05 p.m.
