The Windy City Thunderbolts recently announced the hiring of Richards High School graduate Brian Smith as their new field manager. Smith will make his home debut at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood on May 14.
Smith, who graduated from Northern Illinois University, knows the Frontier League. He played two seasons with the Joliet Slammers. In 2011, he posted a 1.24 ERA with 31 strikeouts and four walks as he helped the Slammers bring home the Frontier League championship in their first year of existence.
After retiring as a player following the 2012 season, Smith began his professional coaching career in Crestwood, spending three years as the pitching coach for the ThunderBolts. He oversaw two pitching all-stars, two no-hitters and nine pitchers who were signed by Major League affiliates.
