This one, the picture, and that's a night

There is probably a lot more out there, but this is the only story in the Midwest League that matters this evening.

Sandberg Returns to Chiefs as 2008 Manager!

The Chicago Cubs and Peoria Chiefs have announced that Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg will return to Peoria to manage the Chiefs in 2008.

Sandberg, who entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2005, managed the Chiefs to a 71-68 record in 2007, his first as a manager at any level. The Chiefs rallied late in the season to finish the second half 40-30 and in a three-way tie for first place.

Reaction in Peoria?

“This is a very unexpected turn of events for us,” said Chiefs President Rocky Vonachen. “Our staff has been hard at work with their best off-season to date planning the 2008 promotional and ticket campaigns and having Ryne return is an added boost of excitement in the office and throughout the community. We look forward to providing Central Illinois with another outstanding season of baseball and entertainment to build off the record breaking success of 2007.”

Remember these dates at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium, folks:

June 1, 2, 3, & 4

July 1, 2, 3, & 4

Those are the days Peoria is scheduled to be in town.