Windy City Thunderbolts baseballs returns May 7, 2026
Windy City Thunderbolts
The Windy City Thunderbolts season opens on Thursday, May 7, and WXAV 88.3 FM is happy to announce that they will be the exclusive radio home for the 2026 season.
WXAV 88.3 FM has been the radio partner of the Windy City Thunderbolts since 2009, providing coverage throughout the season while also offering Saint Xavier University (SXU) students valuable hands-on broadcasting experience.
WXAV will broadcast 56 games this season, which can be found online at atwww.wxav.com, on the Live365 app and on 88.3 FM in the Southside of Chicago area.
After an emotional 2025 campaign, the Thunderbolts finished with a 36-60 record and now look to turn the page heading into 2026.
On Nov. 14, 2025, the Thunderbolts named Tom Carcione as their new field manager. Carcione has spent the last four seasons working various roles within the Ottawa Titans organization, helping the team reach two postseason appearances in each of the last two years.
Carcione will be the 22nd manager in the team’s history. He will take the place of former Chicago White Sox and World Series champion Bobby Jenks, who sadly passed away on July 4, 2025 after a battle with stage IV stomach cancer.
While last season included both on-field struggles and emotional loss, the Thunderbolts head into 2026 with a new sense of hope and identity.
Over the offseason, the Thunderbolts announced a fresh new look for 2026 aimed at enhancing its visual presence and fan experience.
This transformation includes a new team identity, web store, an expanded merchandise line and a reimagined ballpark experience designed to embody the unique character and vibrant energy of Chicago’s South Side while creating a more engaging atmosphere for fans at Ozinga Field this summer.
Competing in the Frontier League, a MLB Partner league, the season will feature a total of 102 games that are evenly split with home and road games.
Promotions this season include Friday and Saturday night postgame firework shows, $2 Tuesdays and themed events such as Bluey night, Beatles night, Toy Story night presented by Saint Xavier University, and many others.
With a new manager and look, the Windy City Thunderbolts and WXAV look forward to bringing a new era of Thunderbolts baseball for fans to enjoy all year long.
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