ROCKFORD, IL February 3, 2010– The Rockford Foresters announced today that Sauk Valley Community College Head Baseball Coach Rene Valdez will be the coach that will lead the team in its Inaugural Season.
“We interviewed nearly a dozen coaches since the end of last summer and Renee stood out among all coaches for numerous reasons including his great performance as a coach on the field, his work ethic, and his ability to attract top talent through recruitment,” said President Joe Stefani. “I’m confident that Rene will not only put a great team on the field, but that he will help lead the Foresters to a league title.”
Valdez currently serves as Head Coach at Sauk Valley Community College out of Dixon, Illinois. A member of the coaching staff for the last five years, he took over the program as head coach and is going into his third season as the team’s skipper. In 2009, Sauk Valley finished 2nd in their conference with a record of 28-19.
“Being the first coach of the Foresters is truly an honor,” said Rockford Foresters Head Coach Rene Valdez. “It feels great to lead a team that is going to keep local college kids in the area while giving them exposure to Major League Baseball Scouts.”
As an assistant coach in 2006 and 2007, Valdez worked with infielders, hitters, and conditioning. He said those year were a great learning process that is helping him put everything in place this season for himself and his assistant coaches.
During his playing career at Sauk, Valdez played first base for the 2000 Skyhawks that captured sectional and regional crows and went on to compete in the NJCAA state championships. That year, Valdez was voted team captain, won All-Conference honors, and was named a Most Valuable Player at the NJCAA Regional Tournament.
