MARION – Rent One Park has hired Ralph Santana as Field Manager to lead the new Prospect League Team through its inaugural season. Santana will also assume responsibilities as General Manager and Pro Instructor at SI Elite, a softball and baseball training academy based in Marion.
Santana moved to southern Illinois in 2007 to be part of the Miners organization. From playing for the team to assuming roles as hitting coach and infield defense and baserunning instructor, Santana was part of the organization in some capacity since the team’s opening season.
“I’m excited to be back home at Rent One Park,” said Ralph Santana, new Prospect League Team Field Manager. “This place is special to me, and I’m looking forward to being back on the field, leading this team and building the program. This community has given me so much, and I’m honored to be a part of this new era of baseball.”
According to Dave Kost, General Manager at Rent One Park, “Ralph is the perfect person to lead the new team. He brings a great deal of energy, experience, and enthusiasm for his love of baseball. We will have a great inaugural season with Ralph at the helm.”
During the press conference, Santana announced the following players will be joining his team for the 2023 season:
• Kale Cameron of Marion, IL, Pitcher, McKendree University
• Josh Griffin of Marion, IL, Infielder, Trevecca Nazarene University
• Alex Zimmerman of Du Quoin, IL, Infielder, Lewis & Clark Community College
• Dylan Drumke of Libertyville, IL, Outfielder, Eastern Illinois University
• Andrew Schroeder of Mundelein, IL, Infielder, Eastern Illinois University
• Ryan St. Ledger of Albion, IL, Outfielder, Southeastern Community College
• Charlie Corum of Versailles, KY, Catcher, Committed to Murray State University
In addition to Santana’s arrival, Rent One Park has also hired the following individuals to assume key roles during the inaugural baseball season:
• Lane Dickerson, Pitching Coach
• Jackson Wiseman, Director of Entertainment and Promotions
• Jennifer Lee, Director of Community Relations
• Lauren Surprenant, Manager of Partnerships & Sales
• Hettie Goins, Box Office Lead
Voting on the final five team names ended on New Year’s Eve. A new team name will be announced in early February. Fans can sign up for notifications on team news, tickets, and exclusive merchandise availability online at www.NameOurNewTeam.com.
The new Prospect League Team opens the season at home against the Jackson Rockabillys on May 31st.
To view the 2023 baseball schedule, visit the Rent One Park Facebook page.