BOOMERS ANNOUNCE FIELD STAFF FOR 2026

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — It is with great pleasure that the Schaumburg Boomers announce the field staff for the 2026 campaign.

The only manager in franchise history, Jamie Bennett, returns to the helm for a 14th season. Bennett has directed the Boomers to the playoffs in four of the last five seasons with three trips to the Frontier League Championship Series. Bennett is fourth all-time in league history with over 600 career victories and has led the Boomers to four Frontier League titles during his tenure while reaching the postseason seven times. Three individuals have been named as the Morgan Burkhart Award winner as the league MVP including Anthony Calarco in 2025. Calarco returns for the 2026 season.

Returning to Bennett’s staff for a fourth season is Nick Oddo, who was selected as the 2025 Darren Bush Award winner as the Frontier League Coach of the Year. Oddo will again serve as the hitting coach after helping the offense produce a record 2025 campaign that shattered the franchise marks for homers and runs. The team led the league in runs, hits and homers while ranking second in walks during the 2025 campaign. Oddo appeared in the third most games in team history during his time as a player, which spanned from 2017-22. Oddo made three appearances in the playoffs as a player, winning two titles, and has helped direct the team to the postseason twice as a coach.

Bill Fratto has been on Jamie Bennett’s staff for 12 years and will return for a 13th to serve as bench coach and first base coach this season. Fratto has been a part of every championship and playoff team for the Boomers. Fratto is currently the head coach at Oakton Community College and the owner of over 600 career victories. The spirited Fratto can often be seen firing up the crowds from his post at first base and assisted the Boomers in producing over 300 extra-base hits last season. Fratto served as the bullpen catcher for the Chicago Cubs from 1985-89 and owns a long career in baseball.

A familiar face makes a return in 2026 as Jake Joyce takes on the role of pitching coach. Joyce handled pitching coach duties previously while still an active member of the pitching staff. As a player, Joyce is the league’s all-time leader in appearances after playing for the Boomers for eight seasons, more than any other player in franchise history. Joyce initially served as pitching coach from 2022-24 while on the active roster, retiring after the 2024 campaign. With Joyce as pitching coach in 2022, the Boomers set a Frontier League record by recording 921 strikeouts as a staff. The Virginia native joined the Boomers in 2015 and appeared in over 300 career games. Joyce is the franchise’s all-time leader in wins, games, saves and strikeouts with over 400. Joyce was a member of two championship teams and four playoff teams.

Tyler Lasch is new to the staff this year and will serve as the analytics coordinator. Lasch played at two of the top programs in NCAA Division I during his playing career and logged time professionally in the Pioneer League. Lasch is familiar with the Boomers having played for the team in spring training of the 2023 season.

Spring training commences next week and the season will open on May 8 with the home opener coming on May 11 at Wintrust Field. Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now. Make plans to be part of the fun! Visit boomersbaseball.com or call 847-461-3695 to secure yours.