IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2026
CHICAGO DOGS ANNOUNCE STAN CLIBURN AS FIELD MANAGER FOR THE 2026 SEASON
One of the Winningest Minor League Managers of All-Time
Rosemont, Ill. – The Chicago Dogs organization is excited to announce the hiring of Stan Cliburn as the team’s new manager, bringing one of the most experienced and respected leaders in professional baseball to Impact Field for the 2026 season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stan back to the Dogs family. His deep experience, leadership, and love for the game make him the perfect choice as manager to take the Dogs to the next level,” said Shawn Hunter, owner of the Chicago Dogs.
With over 2,000 career wins as a minor league manager, ranking him one of the all-time leaders, Cliburn has spent decades developing talent and leading teams to victory across affiliated and independent baseball. His managerial career includes stints with the Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A Minnesota Twins affiliate), New Britain Rock Cats, Sioux City Explorers, New Britain Bees, and most recently the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, where he guided the team to multiple playoff appearances and set league records for winning percentage in a half-season.
“I’m truly honored to be named the manager of the Chicago Dogs and look forward to working with an elite organization,” said Cliburn. “Starting in 2026, we are looking forward to a fun and great season for our passionate fan base and everyone that is part of the Dogs family.”
A former Major League catcher with the California Angels, Cliburn is known for his player development expertise, leadership, and passion for the game. Notably, he has prior experience with the Chicago Dogs organization, serving as bench coach for the Chicago Dogs during the 2018 inaugural season. Cliburn will lead the team alongside his twin brother, Stu Cliburn, the Dogs’ longtime and trusted pitching coach. As one of only 10 sets of twins in MLB history to reach the majors, Stan and Stu bring a rare bond, a shared passion for the game, a wealth of baseball experience to the Dogs.
Follow the team on social media at @TheChicagoDogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. For more information, visit TheChicagoDogs.com.
About The Chicago Dogs:
The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association of Professional Baseball. Named after Chicago’s favorite and oldest culinary tradition, the Chicago Dogs’ logo features the colors and stars of the iconic Chicago flag. Home games are played at the state-of- the-art Impact Field located at 9850 Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont, Ill. Chicago Dogs games welcome fans of all ages for a one-of-a-kind experience where every day is fan appreciation day.
About Impact Field:
Impact Field is a 6,300-seat stadium located in Rosemont at the intersection of Balmoral Avenue and Pearl Street, west of I-294, at 9850 Balmoral Avenue. The ballpark serves as the home of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball minor league team, the Chicago Dogs. Sponsored by Impact Networking, Impact Field offers a variety of different spaces and experiences for visitors including a private club, suites, field-level experience and more. Impact Field has been voted “Best Independent Ballpark in America” by “Ballpark Digest” in 2018 and 2019.