Former Windy City ThunderBolts manager, Tommy Thompson, will be leading the Kannapolis Intimidators in 2011. The Intimidators are the Class-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Tommy led the 2009 ThunderBolts to the playoffs, while winning the West Division Wild Card. In 2009, the ThunderBolts led the Frontier League in batting, hits, doubles, and set a League record striking out 810 batters. During Thompson’s tenure, 10 ThunderBolts were signed to Major League organizations.
Before finding his way to the ThunderBolts, Thompson spent time managing the Frederick Keys, Class-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. In 2007, he was given the Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award in recognition for his work for the Baltimore farm system. After leading the ThunderBolts to a 54-40 record in 2009, he took a job with the White Sox organization. Last year he spent his time working with the North Carolina-based minor affiliates and with the Major League players in Chicago. 2011 will give Tommy Thompson the opportunity to manage again with the Kannapolis Intimidators.
Current ThunderBolts manager, Mike Kashirsky had this to say about Thompson. “I learned so much from Tommy both on and off the field, and I’m so excited for him.” Kashirsky served as Thompson’s bench coach in 2009. “He’s not only a great coach but a great person as well. I’m glad that his hard work paid off.”
The Windy City ThunderBolts are a member of the twelve-team Frontier League, the oldest professional independent baseball league in the nation. The ThunderBolts open the 2011 season at Standard Bank Stadium on Thursday, May 19th. Season tickets, flex plans, and all group tickets (including suites, picnics, party box, & spa) are on sale now! Single-game tickets for the 2011 season go on sale Saturday, April 30th. For more information please call 708.489.BALL or visit wcthunderbolts.com.
