Boomers intent on maintaining their winning ways
During his time with the Windy City ThunderBolts, there was one Frontier League team outfielder Bren Spillane hated playing.
The Schaumburg Boomers, who last had a losing season in 2019, were constantly coming out on top. Now, Spillane is a member of the Boomers, and he’s finally seeing the other side of that success.
“It was really annoying. No matter what, they always won,” Spillane said. “It always has been a winning culture in Schaumburg and that’s the precedent that (manager) Jamie (Bennett) sets.”
Bennett’s impact on the Boomers is evident from the moment a player puts on the uniform. Outfielder Michael Gould, a Neuqua Valley High School graduate, is in his first season with the Boomers after four years at Division II Maryville University. He was instantly impressed with Bennett’s managerial style.
“Jamie is always so cool, calm and collected. He’s got a great baseball mind,” Gould said. “Everything’s got structure … it’s a very smooth-sailing ship that he runs.”
Bennett has a lifetime record of 622-529, the fifth most victories in Frontier League history. He’s won four titles in 12 seasons at the helm, which ties the record for an individual manager. His secret is simple: authenticity.
“I’m not a raise your voice and get in somebody’s face kind of guy. I’m pretty laid back, that’s just my demeanor,” Bennett said. “I don’t try to be something I’m not, and that’s the same for the players. Just be transparent and that way everybody has an adult conversation.”
Bennett leans on his players to keep team morale strong. He knows sometimes a manager’s voice can get grating, and he wants to make sure his players are focused on the task at hand.
“Clubhouses that run themselves are always the best ones,” Bennett said. “When you’ve got a bunch of guys that not only learn from each other, but get along, and they hold each other accountable, those are the teams that are going to have success.”
While the Boomers have enjoyed success in recent years — they last won the Frontier League title in 2021 — last season wasn’t quite up to standard. Despite finishing with a 51-45 record, the Boomers did not qualify for the Frontier League playoffs. That snapped a streak of three straight postseason appearances.
Needless to say, the players are looking to avoid a similar fate in 2025.
“Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to compete … knowing them, I’m sure there’s a little bit of a sour taste,” Gould said. “All the guys are really locked in on winning ballgames, and I’m confident that if we keep that mindset, we’re gonna have a very successful season.”
Success in Schaumburg isn’t just about getting back to the playoffs, though. This team has a championship history, and Bennett is confident his 2025 squad can get back to that level.
“In the clubhouse, their goal is to win a championship this year. And I think anybody that doesn’t think that way is selling themselves short, because it’s always feasible,” Bennett said. “Having a lofty goal is good, and without a doubt that’s something that’s very reasonable and acceptable for these guys.”
2025 Schaumburg Boomers
Manager: Jamie Bennett
Top Players: Christian Fedko, Bren Spillane, Aaron Glickstein
What’s New: Wintrust Field has added some new updates, including a multi-tiered beer garden on the first base line and an additional pretzel stand.
Home Stadium: Wintrust Field (1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg)
How to get tickets: https://www.boomersbaseball.com/tickets/default/