Coaching an independent baseball team in the Chicago area is a difficult task.
With two MLB teams right next door and an international airport across the street, it’s easy for professional scouts to come in and pluck players away.
“We lost five pitchers back in one week back in 2021,” Chicago Dogs pitching coach Stu Clibourn said. “We’re so proud of these guys when they do get picked up, and then we move on to try to make ourselves better.”
The Dogs, who play their games at Impact Field in Rosemont, have gotten better. With returning pitchers John Baker and Connor Curlis, Clibourn has a pair of hurlers who both started playoff games last year.
Johnni Turbo also brings a wealth of playoff experience to the team. The outfielder had four hits in five playoff games last season, and he’s no stranger to big moments.
“I’ve won four championships, so I’m looking to win a fifth one here,” Turbo said. “We’re just focused on getting through the season, winning as much as we can, and then getting to the playoffs.”
If the Dogs make the playoffs, they’ll be competing under a steady hand. New manager Matt Passerelle is a defending champion after his time with the Kane County Cougars last season.
“I’ve been in the league 10 years, and this is my 11th season, and I have an opportunity to manage, which I’m excited about,” Passerelle said. “I feel like we’ve put together a good core of winning players, players who have won before.”
The Dogs have a brutal schedule to open the season. Following opening day on Friday, Chicago will have a game every day until May 19. The team’s only other day off this month is May 26.
But the team is ready to handle the scheduling grind of the American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB). After all, the Dogs advanced to the Division Championship Series last September before falling to Kane County in two games. For Turbo, last year’s early exit in the postseason was more proof the team needed to stay focused every game.
“You just want to take it game by game, situation by situation, and give yourself a chance to come out on top with whoever might need to step up in that role,” Turbo said. “Once May 9 starts and gets us going, we’re going to go out there to compete and win.”
Passerelle is planning on winning big. When he was first hired as manager, he noticed No. 63 held special significance with the team. After he found out what it meant, he began planning to not only respect it, but to surpass it.
“Sixty-three is the most games they’ve ever won here in a single season,” Passerelle said. “Our ultimate goal will be to eclipse that. Our goal is not just to make it to the playoffs, it’s to actually win it.”
The Dogs have come close each of the past two seasons. In 2023 the team lost in the Wolff Cup Finals to Kansas City. Last season, they were swept in the division championship by Kane County. This year, Passerelle thinks things will be different.
“The guys know that we’re pretty good,” Passerelle said. “Let’s go out there and win now.”
Manager: Matt Passerelle
Top players: Brantley Bel, Connor Curlis, John Baker, Johnni Turbo
What’s new: Matt Passerelle is in his first season as manager in the AAPL after 10 years on various coaching staffs. Most recently, he was on staff with the 2024 AAPL Champions, the Kane County Cougars.
Home stadium: Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont)
How to get tickets: https://thechicagodogs.com/tickets
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