Kruzel to return as Peoria Chiefs manager in 2015

Posted on December 11, 2014

Joe Kruzel led the Peoria Chiefs to a 72-67 record in 2014. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Joe Kruzel)

By WJBC Staff

PEORIA – The Peoria Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals have announced Joe Kruzel will return as Chiefs manager next season.

His entire staff will also coach the West squad in the 2015 Midwest League All-Star game at Dozer Park on  June 23.

 Kruzel, 48, led the Chiefs to their most wins (72) in 2014 since the 2009 team made the playoffs as second half division champions. The 2014 Chiefs went 37-32 in the first half and 35-35 in the second half. In both halves the Chiefs were in a playoff spot until the final week and ultimately missed the post-season by one game in each half. This is the eighth time in franchise history a manager has returned for a second season.

The Chiefs 2014 pitching coach Jason Simontacchi will work with the Double-A Springfield Cardinals in 2015 while athletic trainer Michael Petrarca will be in Johnson City. Simontacchi joins 2013 Chiefs manager Dann Bilardello and hitting coach Erik Pappas on the Springfield staff.

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