Rockford, IL – The Rockford Rivets have hired Josh Keim as the second field manager in franchise history. As the Rivets enter their fourth season in the Northwoods League, Keim will take over for Brian Smith, who announced his departure last month.
Keim is entering his fourth season on the Quincy University Baseball coaching staff as the Head Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. The Quincy Hawks are coming off a 41-18 season, losing out in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional after winning the GLVC Championship for the second year in a row.
A native of Rock Island, Illinois, Keim was the hitting coach for the Rivets in 2016. While with the Rivets, he worked with David Cronin, Hunter Hargrove, and Ryan Long, who all went on to play professional baseball. Keim was unable to return in 2017, as his responsibilities at Quincy grew.
“Josh came up early on our short list, and after talking with him, we feel we found the right guy”, said Chad Bauer, General Manager of the Rivets.
“First, I want to thank Dick Radatz and Chad Bauer for allowing me this opportunity to lead the Rivets, along with Brian Smith for having me on his first coaching staff. I am very excited to be back in Rockford to lead the Rivets and coach some of the best players in the country”, commented Keim.
“We are determined to continue providing a great experience for the players. We want to make sure we sustain the relationships we have built with the colleges who trust us with their players for the summer by doing our part to continue their development and keep them healthy while they are with the Rivets”.
Keim played two seasons at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana and was a First Team All-Conference performer in 2014, recording over 100 hits in just two seasons. Prior to that he played two seasons at Black Hawk College and Illinois State University.
Keim earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Quincy University in 2018. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in 2015 with a degree in Sports Management
The Rivets begin their fourth season in the Northwoods League with a home game at Rivets Stadium on May 28.