Mr. 600: Boomers manager a mainstay with the team
The city of Schaumburg welcomed the Boomers as its first professional sports team in the fall of 2011.
At the baseball team’s unveiling event, newly hired manager Jamie Bennett made a promise to the people of Schaumburg and the northwest suburbs, vowing to field a team they’d be proud to support.
Bennett’s unwavering belief in the importance of community and culture helped him reach the 600-win mark last week following a 2-1 victory over the Joliet Slammers.
“For that entire 600 to be here and getting some messages on the video board from past players and coaches, it was really special,” Bennett said.
Bennett has more than kept his word over the last 12 seasons, leading the Boomers to four league championships (2013, 2014, 2017, 2021) and becoming the only Frontier League manager to do win that many with one team.
“I’ve tried to always take the extra time and take the measure to make sure the quality of person I’m getting, not just a baseball player,” Bennett said.
Throughout Bennett’s time with the Boomers, he has coached 42 all-stars and two league most valuable players. He has earned two Roger Hanners Awards as the Frontier League Manager of the Year.
“When one person gets the MVP, or one person gets coach of the year, or this or that, it’s a team award, honestly,” Bennett said.
Bennett pitched at the University of Tennessee in 2000. After two years in the Phillies’ farm system, Bennett finished his career in independent leagues.
His experience handling pressure situations on the diamond provides a calming presence.
“He makes guys feel comfortable,” said Jake Joyce, a player-coach who is in his eighth season with the team. “He’s not putting too much pressure on a situation or too much pressure on an individual.”
Bennett surpassed Jeff Isom for sixth all-time on the league’s win list. He sits just two wins behind Phil Warren after a weekend sweep of the Windy City Thunderbolts.
The Boomers secured their first title in 2013 and Bennett received manager of the year honors. Schaumburg became the third league team to repeat as champions in 2014.
In 2017, the Boomers finished 66-30, rebounding from a league worst 41-55 mark the previous year. Schaumburg met the Florence Freedom in the finals led by manager Dennis Pelfrey, Bennett’s catcher in the 2003 Frontier League all-star game.
Schaumburg came out on top and secured the Boomers’ third championship in five seasons. Bennett and Pelfrey made league history, becoming the only former teammates to manage against each other in a championship series.
Nick Oddo, a catcher on the 2017 and 2021 championship squads, and Schaumburg’s career leader in games played, was hired by the Boomers as a hitting coach before the 2023 season.
“(Bennett is) the same person,” Oddo said. “Whether you’re on staff, or a player, or just a fan, he’s the same guy. So, he makes showing up to the field every day enjoyable.”
Bennett and the Boomers find themselves half a game behind the Gateway Grizzlies for the final playoff spot, with a three-game clash against the Grizzlies looming this weekend.
In the midst of another playoff chase, Bennett remains focused on two factors he credits for his success, culture and the community.
“What we do on the field is one thing, but you still want guys who represent the community well enough too,” Bennett said.