C.J. Thieleke enters his third season as the Mallards Manager after leading the team to the playoffs the past two seasons. He has compiled an 82-62 record in Madison. Prior to being promoted to Manager, Thieleke was an assistant coach with the Mallards for two seasons, including the 2004 Championship season. He is also an assistant coach at MATC. Thieleke was the 1994 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and played at the University of Iowa for three seasons before spending two seasons in the Minnesota Twins organization. This year Thieleke welcomes three new members to his staff (listed below).
Jason Jacome, Pitching Coach. Jacome pitched in the Major Leagues from 1994 to 1998 for the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Indians. He was selected in the 12th round of the 1991 free agent draft by the Mets. Jacome has also pitched in Japan and Mexico. Prior to the Big Leagues, he was a first-team Junior College All-American Selection while at Pima Community College. He currently resides in Tucson, Arizona.
“I’ve learned a lot while playing around the world and I cannot wait to share these experiences with our pitchers. My wife Lisa is from Madison and is also very excited about coming to spend a summer in such a great baseball atmosphere,” said Jacome.
“Anytime you have the opportunity to add someone to the staff that’s played at the highest level, I’m very excited about the impact Jason will have on our players. He brings a lot of experience to our pitching staff.” – Thieleke
Chris Ramirez, Position Player Coach. Ramirez enters his second season as the assistant baseball coach at Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa. He played at Kirkwood C.C. (Cedar Rapids, IA) from 2002 to 2003 before transferring to High Point University for two years. In the summer of 2003, Ramirez played for the LaCrosse Loggers.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to come and help our players improve their skills for the next level. Madison has a great fan base and really supports its team. There’s no better place to play baseball in the summer,” said Ramirez.
“Chris has been successful everywhere he’s been and is very excited about coaching at this level. I watched him play at Kirkwood and for the LaCrosse Loggers, and have nothing but high praise for the way he plays the game. Chris will be a versatile coach and will work very closely with our bullpen and outfielders.” – Thieleke
Dave Schultz, Hitting Coach. Schultz is in his first year on the Illinois coaching staff as a volunteer assistant. He played for Creighton University from 2002 to 2004 before transferring to the University of Illinois in 2005. He also played for the LaCrosse Loggers in the summers of ’03, ’04, and ’05. Schultz is third on the NWL All-Time season home run record list with 16.
“Having played in this league for three years I know what it takes to grind it out for an entire 68 game season. I’m going to bring a players’ type mentality to the staff and I’m very excited about the opportunity to come to Madison. If I had to pick anywhere in the country to coach, it would be Madison,” said Schultz.
“I’ve been very familiar with David since his playing days in high school and for the Loggers. The fact that he holds the NWL single season home run record brings a lot of credibility to our staff. I know David has worked hard on the Illinois coaching staff this year and is very anxious to get to Madison and begin working with our players.”
– Thieleke
The Mallards season starts Thursday May 31 against the Eau Claire Express at the Duck Pond. All tickets are on sale now. Call 246-4277 or log onto Mallardsbaseball.com for more information.
