After a short off season the Dirtbags front office along with opinions from current and past players the Dirtbags have will be announcing their coaching staff. Coach Campbell will be returning as the head coach for the Dirtbags in 2017, he has compiled a 99-92 record with the team over the past 5 years. The skipper, has lead the Dirtbags to 4 NABF Regional Championship games since they entered NABF play in 2013. The Dirtbags won the regional in 2013 finishing top 8 nationally in the NABF, and rounding up three runner up trophies the past three years. Campbell has also been named Manager of the Year twice (2013 & 2016) since joining the CSBL in 2013.

 

 

     The team will name three new coaches who will join the staff but neither one is a stranger to the team. Sam Couch is the first name to be added to the staff list this year. Couch played for Dirtbags the past three seasons, contributing as a starting pitcher and bullpen guy. Couch threw 54.1 innings with 55 K's with a career 3.31 ERA. Couch's final season with the team was mainly spent rehabbing his arm after a injury during the college season. "Couch is a guy you never want to leave the team, he is an upbeat guy that gets on guys when he needs to but is also the team joker you could say. Don't let him fool you though his knowledge of the game is way higher than it should be for his age, he will be a GREAT addition." -Coach Campbell. Rumors are circling that there is a potential Couch has a shot at the third base job, for those that have been to a game Couch is always heard yelling "SEND HIM!!"

 

     The Second Coach to be named is Mark Kane, who played the past two seasons for the Dirtbags primarily as a third basemen, but in his first year served as a utility player. Kane had a career average of .261 with 11 doubles and 30 RBI's, Kane is currently 2nd on the most RBI's in a season with 22. Baseball and coaching runs in Kane's blood, as his dad has played professional ball and was also the head coach at Moraine Valley CC. "Kane was our David Ross, just not as old, he respected the game like no other and took younger guys under his wing. He would never say no he would just do as he was asked." - Coach Campbell. Kane will serve has a hitting and defensive coach in 2017. Mark is looking forward to start his coaching career and hopes to make an immediate impact for the team.

 

       Last but not least is Tommy Hayes, Hayes was a three year player for the Dirtbags primarily as a first basemen, but did fill in at third base and catcher occasionally. Hayes was also one of the "captains" for the 2016 season, leadership is not an unfamiliar are for Tommy. "Tommy has been one of my go to guys for three years now, I have never had a player put the team ahead of themselves as much as Tommy did. He is definitely the guy that was never afraid to call me and talk about the game plan or line up and "challenge me".... This is what you need to be a great coaching staff." -Coach Campbell. Tommy had a career batting average of .311 with 37 RBI's but his claim to fame could be when he was called upon to pitch, Tommy has a 0.00 ERA during his time as a Dirtbag. Tommy will be working closely with hitter along with first basemen and catchers.

 

 

 

 

 

      For those of you that might not know these four, they will fit together perfectly, there is nothing other than dedication on this staff. Plus, that ONE GOAL.... NABF national championship!