Cornbelters ready for 2011 season

I was lucky enough last season to be able to make the inaugural game of the Frontier League Cornbelters at the Corncrib in Normal. They are ready to start their second season and opening night at the 'Crib is May 27th at 7pm against the Southern Illinois Miners. I hope to be there. Being on the Media List, I get lots of notices from them. The latest just hit my email box about 10 minutes ago. They have hired a new Hitting Coach. The Media release follows.

"CornBelters sign former MLB as new hitting coach

‘Boots’ Day joins team following 2 seasons in Calgary

NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, are pleased to announce the signing of Charles ‘Boots’ Day as the team’s new hitting coach for the upcoming season. Following a six-game road trip to begin its’ second season, the CornBelters will play its’ first home game of the 2011 campaign at the Corn Crib on Friday, May 27 at 7 P.M. versus the Southern Illinois Miners (CEFCU Opening Night).

Day comes to Normal after serving as hitting coach the past two seasons with the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League. The Vipers won the league championship in 2009, a team that also featured current CornBelter outfielder Colin Moro. In the minors, Day has also coached in the Pacific Coast League and California League, among others.

A native of Ilion, NY, Day began coaching in 1982 with the Detroit Tigers organization, and scouted for the team from 1984 to 1988. He has also spent time in the Royals, Cardinals, Indians, Nationals, and Diamondbacks farm systems. As a player, Day made his major league debut in 1969 with the St. Louis Cardinals, but spent a majority of his 6 seasons as a center fielder with the Montreal Expos.

Day joins manager Hal Lanier and pitching coach Brooks Carey on the CornBelters staff. The team begins the 2011 regular season May 20 on the road against the River City Rascals."

If you missed posts from last season's opening game, here are some images to help you along...

20100601 Thunderbolts v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look

On the Illinois State front, the Athletic Directors slot vacated by Sheahon Zenger has been filled by Gary Friedman. Friedman has ties to Illinois and to the Bloomington-Normal Sports scene.