Former River City Rascals manager Steve Brook will be the new manager of the Gateway Grizzlies in 2022. (Photo: Nathan Assata)
by Torrance Terrell
Staff Writer
The Gateway Grizzlies announced on Wednesday morning that two-time Frontier League champion Steve Brook will take over as the sixth manager in franchise history effective immediately.
Brook, who managed the River City Rascals for 10 seasons, and led them to two league championships, including one in the franchise’s final season in 2019.
He was supposed to be the new manager of the Ottawa Titans, one of the Frontier League’s new expansion teams this past season. But COVID-19 restrictions forced the Titans to postpone their debut until next season.
The year off made Brook realize how much he enjoyed living in the area, so he decided he wanted to move back. And once the Grizzlies job came open, he was the No. 1 candidate for the job.
Fortunately for Gateway, Brook felt the same way, so a mutual agreement was quickly made to make him the new skipper of the Grizzlies.
“I’m grateful for and humbled by the opportunity to lead the Gateway Grizzlies on the field in 2022,” Brook said. “The season cannot come soon enough. I want to thank Steve Gomric, Rich Sauget Jr. and the rest of the Grizzlies organization and community for the confidence and incredible opportunity. I look forward to an amazing year back in St. Louis.”
In his decade as River City’s manager, Brook made his name as one of the Frontier League’s best leaders. He went 542-415 (.566) and his clubs played for six league titles with only one losing record.
Brook got off the mark in impressive fashion as well: River City went 57-38 (.600) in his first season en route to the 2010 Frontier League championship and followed it up with an astounding 68-27 (.716) record in 2011.
“The Grizzlies look forward to the Brook era for Grizzlies baseball,” Grizzlies director Rich Sauget Jr. said. “Steve looks to bring the stability and type of player that Gateway fans will be proud to watch take the field night in and night out. Our whole organization is excited to have a full season to give our fans all that they deserve.”
The Grizzlies will return to GCS Credit Union Ballpark in May 2022. Their complete schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
“The Gateway Grizzlies are thrilled to sign Steve Brook as our manager,” Grizzlies general manager Steve Gomric said. “Steve has a proven record of winning on a consistent basis. He has a championship level of managerial experience.
“Steve Brook has a tremendous ability to recruit players. When you combine his skill set with the core of young talented players returning, the 2022 Gateway Grizzlies have a bright outlook. I haven’t been this excited for a team in almost a decade.”