One managerial opening

The Normal CornBelters, who finished in last place in the West Division with a 29-67 record that included only one win in the last 14 games, have fired manager Chad Parker after only one season.

Parker previously managed in the Frontier League with the River City Rascals.

“Square peg in a round hole. It wasn’t the right fit. It just didn’t work out,” Parker told the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph. “I wish them the best of luck, and I’ll move on to a place that fits me better.”

The CornBelters have been in the Frontier League for three years and are still without a winning season. Normal hosted the Frontier League all-star game this year.

“Our owners expect a winning team – a team that is highly competitive on the field,” Normal president Steve Malliet said. ”We took a step backward on the field (this season).”

Parker not unemployed for long

Chad Parker, who managed the River City Rascals to the 2009 West Division title and to within one win of the Frontier League championship, wasn't unemployed for very long. Parker resigned after the Frontier League playoffs, saying he wanted to return to his home state of Georgia and pursue job opportunities there.

Well, Parker found a job - in Illinois.

Parker has been named the manager of the Joliet Jackhammers of the independent Northern League. That's the same job that Jeff Isom left the Wild Things for after the 2003 season.

Parker will be working under Joliet's new assistant to the general manager/baseball operations (and here's a name out of the past) former Pirates outfielder John Cangelosi.

First managerial opening

After leading the River City Rascals to the West Division title and to within one win of the Frontier League championship, Chad Parker has resigned as manager of the Rascals. Parker said he wanted to return to his home state of Georgia and pursue job opportunities there.

Under Parker's guidance, the Rascals reached set a team record for wins.

"Our organization will always be grateful for what Chad has done this season," Rascals executive vice president and general manager Chris Franklin said. "We were very happy with Chad both on and off the field, and we made him what we felt was a strong offer after the all-star break to continue with the Rascals in 2010 and beyond. The same characteristics that make him a good manager are the same characteristics that make him a good father and husband, and it seems that this situation will be best for him and his family."

Dempsey named to league all-star team

Washington designated hitter Jacob Dempsey was named Friday to the Frontier League's all-star team.

Dempsey, the Wild Things' designated hitter, went into Friday night's game against Florence leading the league with 91 RBI and 53 extra-base hits, and was second in home runs with 29. The RBI and home-run totals are the Wild Things' single-season records. Dempsey, who is in his second season with Washington, is third in the league in slugging percentage (.611).

Dempsey mentioned to me prior to Thursday night's game against Kalamazoo that he has played much of the season with a torn labrum that will require surgery later this month. Dempsey received the results of an MRI Thursday and they revealed the extent of the injury.

Ernie Banks, who played for Washington until being traded to River City early in August, was named the all-star first baseman. Banks has 24 home runs and is second in the league with a .355 batting average.

Southern Illinois' Joey Metropoulos, who has a league-best 30 home runs, was voted the Most Valuable Player. Lake Erie's Paul Fagan (14-3, 2.51) was the Pitcher of the Year, Windy City outfielder Vinnie Scarduzio the Rookie of the Year and River City's Chad Parker the Manager of the Year.

The 2009 all-star team:
1B – Ernie Banks – Washington/River City
2B – Gilberto Mejia – Windy City
SS – Tony Roth – Southern Illinois
3B – Andrew Davis – Lake Erie
OF – Jason James – Rockford
OF – Joey Metropoulos – Southern Illinois
OF – Chad Maddox – River City
C – Charlie Lisk – Gateway
DH – Jacob Dempsey - Washington
SP – Paul Fagan – Lake Erie
RP – Jason Lowey – River City