P
P
HistóriaChiefs finish 2026 at 56–63; Dozer Park to glow with holiday lights and events
Peoria closed the 2026 campaign with a 56–63 record, slotting fifth in the division after a grind of a summer that kept the Chiefs battling to the wire. [1]With baseball put to bed for the year, Dozer Park is turning festive, trading base paths for holiday lights, displays, and seasonal events to keep the downtown ballpark buzzing into winter. [2]
P
HistóriaCrossland fires 6.1 scoreless as Chiefs blank West Michigan; 2026 slate released
Cade Crossland set the tone with 6.1 scoreless innings, and the Chiefs finished off a crisp 2–0 victory over West Michigan behind steady pitching and clean defense. [1]Crossland carried a no-hit bid into the sixth before handing it off, the kind of composed outing that’s traveled well all summer. [1]Off the field, the club unveiled its 2026 schedule, with Opening Day set on the road and the full slate posted for fans planning trips to Dozer Park throughout the year. [2]
P
HistóriaChiefs mash 24 in historic rout as Tai Peete hits for the cycle
Peoria’s lineup tore through pitching in a 24–7 drubbing, stacking extra-base damage from the early innings through the late frames in a historic win. [1]Tai Peete completed the cycle, and Jesus Báez drove in six to pace the onslaught as the Chiefs poured it on with little letup. [1] The Midwest League club showed off its depth up and down the card in a game that never stopped tilting their way. [2]
P
HistóriaChiefs release 2026 schedule; Roberto Espinoza returns as manager
The Chiefs put 2026 on the board with the full game calendar posted on the club’s MiLB schedule hub, giving fans every date and opponent at a glance [1][2]. Roberto Espinoza will again pilot Peoria in 2026, back for a second season as manager. The club’s 44th season begins April 3 on the road at Cedar Rapids, setting the tone for another Midwest League grind [7]. The team’s 2026 roster PDF, which includes staff listings, confirms Espinoza atop the dugout and Michael Oh as pitching coach [6].Peoria continues as the High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, a pipeline that shapes the roster and the year’s storylines [6][5]. For additional tracking of dates and results across the league landscape, the slate also appears on Baseball America and OurSportsCentral [3][4].
P
HistóriaChiefs to reserve suite for veterans at 2026 Dozer Park home games
The Chiefs will reserve a suite for veterans during home games at Dozer Park in the 2026 season, offering a dedicated space to honor service members at the ballpark [2]. The effort aligns with a broader push to make game days a gathering place for the community [2].The initiative comes as the team returns home to Dozer Park, bringing energy back downtown for the latest stretch of games [1].
P
HistóriaChiefs announce 2026 on-field staff; Roberto Espinoza returns as manager
Roberto Espinoza, 36, will manage the Chiefs for a second season in 2026, continuing his rise in his 13th year in the Cardinals organization after reaching his 200th managerial win last year [1].Peoria rounded out the on-field group with pitching coach Michael Oh, hitting coach Michael Habas, bench coach Jason Eary, assistant coach Wade Stauss, certified athletic trainer Kily Gilbert, strength and conditioning coach Ryuta Takahashi, and baseball technology fellow Alexarmando Diaz. Five of the seven hires are new to the Cardinals organization [1].The Chiefs open the 2026 season on the road at Cedar Rapids on Friday, April 3, with the home opener at Dozer Park set for Tuesday, April 7 against the South Bend Cubs. Ticketing and schedule details are posted on the club’s schedule page [2].
P
HistóriaCubs take series in Peoria; 8-run seventh, Ayers’ ninth-inning shot sink Chiefs
Back-to-back games at Dozer Park swung the series South Bend’s way. On April 11, the Cubs erupted for eight runs in the seventh to win 9–3 and take a 3–2 edge in the set. [1]A day later, Owen Ayers blasted a two-run homer in the ninth to put South Bend in front, and the visitors closed it out to leave Peoria with the series. [2]
P
HistóriaChiefs announce 2026 on-field staff; Espinoza back as skipper
Roberto Espinoza will lead Peoria for a second season in 2026, with Michael Oh (pitching), Michael Habas (hitting) and Jason Eary (bench) joining a refreshed staff. The organization also added a fifth on‑field coaching role at each affiliate, with former Chiefs catcher Wade Stauss stepping in as assistant coach. [1][2]Off the field, Kily Gilbert is listed as certified athletic trainer, Ryuta Takahashi oversees strength and conditioning, and Alexarmando Diaz serves as Baseball Technology Fellow handling day‑to‑day video. [1][2]The Chiefs’ 44th season opens on the road at Cedar Rapids on April 3, 2026, with the Dozer Park home opener set for April 7 against the South Bend Cubs. Season tickets and group options for 2026 are available through the box office and peoriachiefs.com. [1][2]
P
HistóriaChiefs at a glance: High-A Cardinals affiliate and Midwest League staple
In downtown Peoria, the Chiefs take the field at Dozer Park as the High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, competing in the Midwest League. [1]Founded in 1983, the club has become a reliable stop on the developmental path for rising Cardinals prospects. [2]Alumni who passed through Peoria include Mark Grace, Greg Maddux, Joe Girardi, Yadier Molina, Dan Haren and Albert Pujols. [3]Dozer Park sits at 730 SW Jefferson, offering a family-friendly game-night scene all season long. [3]
P
HistóriaChiefs, Timber Rattlers trade early-season blows; Peoria takes April 19 finale
Wisconsin jumped on Peoria early on April 15 and saw the lead through in the opener of the set. [1]The Chiefs countered in the April 19 finale, getting out in front and closing it out to split the late-week run. [2]On May 27 (Game 1), the matchup turned on late momentum and timely swings, with standout plays on both sides shaping the opener’s outcome. [3]