Peoria Chiefs President Rocky Vonachen said the minor league baseball team will soon launch a season-ticket giveaway with WJBC to begin its renewed affiliation with the St. Louis Cardinals. (Photo by Laura Ewan/WJBC, logo courtesy Facebook) 

By Eric Stock

PEORIA - The Peoria Chiefs are announcing a new marketing agreement with WJBC as the minor league baseball team has rejoined the St. Louis Cardinals farm system.

"We're excited to have the Cardinals back, we went to the dark side for about eight years, we're back on the good side," Chiefs President Rocky Vonachen said, noting that the Vonachen family are all life-long Cardinals' fans. "And the Cardinals are excited to be back. They know there are a lot of great fans in Central Illinois and they are excited to bring their talents back to Peoria."

The Chiefs have been a Cubs Class A affiliate the last eight years.

Vonachen said the agreement will include promotions throughout the 2013 season, starting with a season-ticket giveaway. Vonachen also said a Father's Day promotion will enable a fan to take batting practice and experience being a player for a day. He also expects to bring Chiefs players to Bloomington-Normal for events throughout the season.

Vonachen said you'll see big league talent at Peoria Chiefs Stadium, noting that the Cardinals have one of the top farm systems in the major leagues.

"If we would have stayed with the Cardinals the last eight years, 18 players on the current roster would have come through Peoria. So that's the type of talent you are going to see when you come over to a ballgame," Vonachen said.

Albert Pujols played for the Chiefs the last time they were a Cardinal affiliate. Pujols was Midwest League Most Valuable Player in 2000. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2001.

The Chiefs season opener in April 4 at O'Brien Field against Wisconsin.

PODCAST: Listen to Rocky Vonachen's interview with Scott and Colleen on WJBC. 

You can get more information on the Peoria Chiefs here.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.