Chris Willsey Named Aviators Field Manager
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – October 19, 2021 – The Aviators are pleased to announce Chris Willsey as their field manager for the 2022 season. Willsey replaces Michael Keeran, who decided to return to his native South Dakota to continue his summer coaching career.
Willsey is presently the hitting coach at Southeastern Illinois Community College (SICC) and as is an Associate Scout for the Atlanta Braves. In 2021, Willsey served as an Assistant Coach / Hitting Coach for the Madisonville Miners in the Ohio Valley Summer College Baseball League.
“We are very excited to bring someone of Chris’ caliber on board to lead our team,” said General Manager, David Krakower. “We are confident that with Chris’ experience, he will be able to build off the success we had last season and help us bring home a championship.”
Willsey is a native of Harrisburg, IL and played college ball at SICC and Frontier Community College. In addition to coaching at Southeastern Illinois and the Ohio Valley League, Willsey has coaching experience in the Grand Prairie Summer League.
“I have a nonstop passion for guiding young men on and off the field. I have been beyond blessed to have learned from amazing baseball minds in preparation for this opportunity in Lafayette,” said Willsey. “I cannot thank the Aviators ownership and management enough for this opportunity. Let’s bring a Prospect League championship back to Lafayette!”
