Decorated Manager Brook Hired to Lead Ottawa

The Ottawa Professional Baseball Club, new member of the Frontier League, introduced Steve Brook as their inaugural manager on Tuesday.

Brook is one of the most accomplished managers in Frontier League history, having compiled a 542-415 (.566) record with the River City Rascals from 2010-19. During his 10 years at the helm, Brook guided the Rascals to nine winning seasons, seven playoff berths (including six appearances in the Frontier League Championship Series), and Frontier League championships in 2010 and 2019. The Frankfort, Illinois native’s 542 victories rank sixth all-time among Frontier League managers.



“We are thrilled to hire someone of Steve’s calibre,” said Sam Katz, co-owner of the Ottawa Professional Baseball Club. “Our goal is to build a winning culture at all levels of the organization, and Steve’s resume speaks for itself. He understands what it takes to succeed in the Frontier League’s competitive environment, and comes highly-recommended from his peers as both a baseball person and a man of character. We are proud to introduce Steve as our inaugural manager, and welcome his family to Ottawa.”

After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, Illinois) with a degree in History, Brook pitched four seasons for the Rascals from 2004-07 where he was twice voted a Frontier League All-Star. The right-hander compiled a 33-17 overall record with one save and a 4.14 ERA in 448.0 innings pitched. After retiring as a player, Brook served on River City’s coaching staff before taking over as manager in 2010.

“I am humbled and beyond excited to lead in Ottawa for the 2021 season,” said Brook. “The Frontier League continues to expand, and the return of professional baseball to Ottawa is something I’m very proud to be a part of. I look forward to working within the community to bring success both on and off the field this season. I want to thank Sam Katz and the Ottawa ownership team for the confidence and amazing opportunity.”

The 39-year-old Brook earned a Masters in Physical Education from the University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, Missouri) in 2008, and is a Phys Ed. teacher at Fort Zumwalt South High School in Saint Peters, Missouri during the off-season. Brook resides in Missouri with his wife, Ellen, and their two children, Nolan and Caitlin.

Brook will be available to the media via Zoom conference on Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.