Introducing the Chicago Dogs
The Chicago Dogs are an independent professional baseball team based in Rosemont, Illinois. They play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball and are not affiliated with any Major League Baseball (MLB) team [1].
The Chicago Dogs were founded in 2001 and began play in 2002 at the 6,300 seat Impact Field in Rosemont [2]. They have been members of the American Association since joining the league in 2011 after previously playing in the Northern League.
As an independent baseball team, the Chicago Dogs operate outside of MLB’s farm system. This gives them greater freedom in player acquisition and roster management compared to affiliated minor league teams.
The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball
The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball is an independent minor league that is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. It was founded in 2005 and currently consists of 12 teams across the Midwestern United States. The league is considered a “partner league” of MLB, meaning MLB teams sometimes loan players to the American Association for development purposes.
As an independent league, the American Association operates outside the framework of organized Minor League Baseball. This allows teams to sign players without going through the formal draft process and provides greater flexibility in operations. However, independent leagues are generally seen as a step below affiliated minor leagues in terms of talent level and developmental opportunities for players.
The American Association filled a void left when the Northern League disbanded in 2010. It adopted the same geographic footprint and aims to bring high-caliber baseball to mid-sized markets typically overlooked by MLB. The league provides family-friendly entertainment and allows fans to see top talent and future major leaguers up close.
Notable American Association alumni who went on to MLB careers include Chris Colabello, Caleb Thielbar, Joe Morrow, and Tim Dillard. The league has become an increasingly popular path for players who hope to get noticed by MLB scouts and franchises.
For sources, see:
https://aabaseball.com/
MLB Affiliation
The Chicago Dogs are not affiliated with any Major League Baseball teams. They play in the independent American Association of Professional Baseball league which operates outside of MLB’s oversight (Cite). Unlike Minor League Baseball teams which have partnerships with MLB clubs, independent leagues are fully independent from the major leagues.
This independence allows independent league teams more flexibility in their operations but also means they do not receive any support from MLB teams. Independent leagues must finance their own player salaries, facilities, equipment, etc. without assistance from parent clubs (Cite).
While independent baseball provides opportunities for players overlooked in the MLB Draft, the talent level is generally considered below affiliated minor league and MLB levels. Independent leagues give players a chance to showcase skills and potentially get noticed by MLB scouts. However, direct advancement from independent leagues to MLB is rare (Cite).
Ownership History
The Chicago Dogs began playing as an independent professional baseball team in the American Association in 2018. The team was founded by Shawn Hunter, AJ Pratt, James Knott Sr., and Al Oremus, who served as the original ownership group.
According to thechicagodogs.com, Shawn Hunter said at the announcement of the American Association’s partnership with MLB in 2020: “This is a great day for the American Association and the Chicago Dogs…The players and fans have wanted this affiliation for a long time.”
In 2019, the team was sold to an ownership group led by attorney Allan B. Muchin. Muchin’s group included Lee Stern, a prominent Illinois business owner and Chicago sports investor. At the time, Muchin said the team was “thrilled to further ingrain itself” in the Chicago sports scene.
The current ownership group has focused on providing an affordable and family-friendly fan experience while cultivating talent that sometimes moves on to MLB organizations. They have overseen gradual increases in attendance and aim to make the Dogs a staple Chicago sports franchise.
Current Ownership
The Chicago Dogs are currently owned by Shawn Hunter and the 7th Inning Stretch organization. Hunter is a sports executive and entrepreneur who previously served as president of the Phoenix Coyotes NHL team and the Chicago Cubs MLB club. In 2017, Hunter partnered with private equity investor Noah Kroloff to form 7th Inning Stretch LLC, with the goal of acquiring and operating minor league baseball teams.
That same year, 7th Inning Stretch purchased the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League and rebranded them as the Chicago Dogs. According to Forbes, Hunter and Kroloff have invested millions of dollars into the team, aiming to create a premium fan experience similar to a major league club. They renovated the stadium, brought in high caliber players, added new concessions and amenities, and implemented innovative promotions like allowing fans to bring their dogs to the game.
As Forbes states, “Hunter plans to prove that a well-run independent league team in a major market can be profitably entertaining.” By providing an affordable yet major league-quality experience, the owners hope to draw more families and young professionals to Dogs games. Their long-term vision is to make the Dogs a beloved Chicago sports institution.
On-Field Success
The Chicago Dogs have seen moderate success since joining the American Association in 2018. In their inaugural 2018 season, the Dogs finished 3rd in the North Division with a 58-41 record (Chicago Dogs – American Association – team stats).
The following season in 2019, the Dogs once again finished 3rd in their division, this time with a 52-48 record. They made the playoffs that year but lost in the first round to the St. Paul Saints (Chicago Dogs).
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the Dogs had their best year yet, finishing 2nd in their division with a 31-26 record. They made the playoffs again but once more lost in the first round (Chicago Dogs – American Association – team home).
The Dogs have yet to win any championships in their short history, but have established themselves as consistent playoff contenders in the competitive American Association.
Home Ballpark
The Chicago Dogs call Impact Field home. Impact Field is a state-of-the-art baseball stadium located in Rosemont, Illinois, an inner ring suburb northwest of Chicago. The ballpark opened in 1999 and cost $63 million to construct. It has a capacity of 6,300 people.
Impact Field was designed specifically for minor league baseball and independent league teams. The ballpark features 22 luxury suites, party patios, and banquet facilities. Fans can enjoy the game from padded seats located close to the field or from grassy berm seating beyond the outfield walls. The playing surface features a manicured Kentucky Bluegrass field.
Impact Field has been the home stadium of the Chicago Dogs since their inaugural season in 2018. Previously, the ballpark hosted the Schaumburg Flyers from 1999-2012 and the Lake County Fielders from 2010-2011. The venue is owned by the Village of Rosemont and also hosts concerts, festivals, and other community events.
Thanks to its location near O’Hare International Airport and proximity to downtown Chicago, Impact Field offers convenient access for Dogs fans across Chicagoland. The modern amenities of the ballpark combined with competitive American Association baseball make Impact Field a premier destination for an affordable, family-friendly outing.
Fan Experience
Attending a Chicago Dogs game at Impact Field in Rosemont is an enjoyable experience for baseball fans of all ages. The independent minor league team provides an intimate and affordable option for Chicagoland residents to see high-quality professional baseball.
Fans can get close to the action with seats right behind home plate or along the baselines. For a unique perspective, the Field Suite puts you literally inches from the game (https://thechicagodogs.com/fan-experience/). There is also a party deck and rooftop patio for taking in the game with food and drinks.
Between innings, fans are entertained with on-field contests, giveaways, mascots, and events like fireworks nights. The Chicago Dogs offer special theme nights and promotions throughout the season (https://thechicagodogs.com/tickets/fan-experiences/).
For large groups and corporate outings, the Chicago Dogs provide customizable packages with catering and private spaces (https://thechicagodogs.com/tickets/group-experiences/). Impact Field has several open concession stands with ballpark staples like hot dogs, popcorn, and beer.
Overall, Chicago Dogs games provide affordable family fun with a minor league baseball experience in the Chicagoland area.
Notable Alumni
The Chicago Dogs have produced several alumni that have gone on to play in Major League Baseball. Some of the most notable include:
Carlos Zambrano played for the Dogs in 2019 after a 12-year MLB career primarily with the Chicago Cubs. During his MLB career, Zambrano was a 3-time All-Star and threw a no-hitter in 2008. He had a career 129–81 win-loss record and 3.66 ERA in the big leagues according to Wikipedia.
Chad Girodo pitched for the Dogs in 2018 before being called up to the Toronto Blue Jays that same year. In 2021, he played for the Boston Red Sox according to the Chicago Dogs Roster.
Mickey Jannis, a starting pitcher, had a brief stint with the Chicago Dogs in 2022 before being released. He previously pitched in the majors for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 according to the Journal & Topics.
Several other former MLB players like Joe Benson, Scott Barnes, D.J. Snelten, Casey Crosby, and Victor Alcántara have also spent time with the Dogs.
The Future
The Chicago Dogs have a bright future ahead with strong prospects for growth and development. Though not currently affiliated with a Major League Baseball team, there is potential for the Dogs to gain an MLB affiliation down the road.
According to an article on the Chicago Dogs’ official website, “The Milagro Outlook”, the team has plans for stadium upgrades and improvements to enhance the fan experience. This includes new seating options, kids zones, party decks, and premium spaces. Investing in the ballpark shows the team’s commitment to success in Rosemont.
With a talented roster and coaching staff, the Dogs are well-positioned to continue their on-field success. In 2022, the team went 63-37, the best record in franchise history. They will look to build on that by signing new talent and developing prospects. As the team grows, an MLB affiliation could bring resources and exposure to take things to the next level.
Though the road ahead is uncertain, things are looking up for the Chicago Dogs. Their loyal fans and baseball-loving community will be cheering them on every step of the way.