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The Corn Belt League is proud to announce its full slate of head coaches for the 2026 summer season—a historic year that marks the league’s expansion to nine teams. With a blend of returning leaders and highly accomplished newcomers, the CBL continues its mission to provide one of the most competitive and development-driven summer baseball environments in the Midwest.
Black Sox – Larry Arango
Originally from Connecticut, Arango brings a dynamic blend of recruiting expertise and player-development insight from his time as an area scout with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Larry’s ability to recruit and his passion for the game make him a solid addition to our coaching staff. His energy and business-minded approach will elevate not only our players, but the entire league.”
— Joe Siwa
Filthballers – Buddy Mercado
Coach Buddy Mercado arrives with collegiate and professional experience. Mercado has coached at the University of North Alabama and Vanderbilt University, and his scouting background includes roles with the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and a foundational role in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in 1998.
“Buddy’s background speaks for itself… We’re excited to see the impact he’ll have on our players and the culture of the league.”
— Joe Siwa
RailRiders – Dalton Stamper
Returning for his second season, Dalton Stamper is back at the helm for the RailRiders. Stamper comes to us from Spokane, Washington and enters his sixth year of coaching.
“Dalton faced adversity last summer with fluke injuries, but handled everything with poise. We’re excited to watch him lead another group—and I look forward to getting back on the golf course with him.”
— Joe Siwa
Cropdusters – Sonny Sunagel
Coach Sunagel returns for his seventh summer in the CBL and third consecutive season leading the Cropdusters. Since joining the league in 2019, Sunagel has served as both an assistant and head coach—including three seasons guiding the Black Sox—along with a summer coaching stint in the Northwoods League.
“Sonny has been an integral part of what we have going on here. After losing a heartbreaker in the Championship last season, I know he’ll be back with another tough squad ready to make a run.”
— Joe Siwa
Red Raiders – Zach Young
Zach Young enters his fourth summer as head coach. Known for his culture-driven approach, Young has already guided the team to multiple regular season and postseason titles.
“Watching Coach Young grow has been tremendous. His ability to motivate players and guide them through adversity shows in the results. His passion is exactly what summer ball is about.”
— Joe Siwa
Bombers – Seth Sitzman
After a championship-winning debut season in 2025, Seth Sitzman returns for his second year leading the Bombers. Sitzman brought professionalism, steadiness, and strong leadership to the dugout—qualities that helped the Bombers’ postseason title run.
“You could see the camaraderie and growth Seth built over the season. We’re thrilled to have him back for another summer in Omaha.”
— Joe Siwa
Haymakers – Dwayne Hosey
The Haymakers welcome back Dwayne Hosey for his fifth season as head coach. A former Boston Red Sox outfielder, Hosey went on to star in Japan’s NPB, where he famously beat out Hideki Matsui to lead the league with 38 home runs. His elite playing background brings a high-level perspective to every athlete who plays for him.
“Dwayne has done a great job running a collegiate summer team, and players keep wanting to come back to play for him. His energy is a huge asset to the Corn Belt League.”
— Joe Siwa
Royal Blue Dogs – Trevor Cissell
The Corn Belt League is also excited to announce Trevor Cissell as the Head Coach of the Royal Blue Dogs. Cissell brings more than a decade of instructional experience through his long-standing role at the StrikeZone, where he has mentored and developed countless athletes.
“Trevor’s dedication to player development and his rapport with athletes makes him a great fit. His experience assisting teams in the past has prepared him for this opportunity.”
— Joe Siwa
River Bandits – Ronnie Palmer
Rounding out the 2026 coaching group is newcomer Ronnie Palmer, who will lead the River Bandits—the league’s newest expansion team. Palmer arrives with a standout resume across multiple collegiate summer leagues, including the NECBL, Great Lakes League, and ACBL. He also brings collegiate head coaching experience from Davis & Elkins College and administrative leadership from several athletic director roles. What drew Coach Palmer to the CBL was Omaha’s centralized structure, fully local scheduling, and player-first developmental vision.
“Ronnie’s years of experience and proven leadership across multiple summer leagues make him a tremendous addition to the CBL. We’re excited to see the impact he makes this season.”
— Joe Siwa
With experienced leadership across all nine squads, the Corn Belt League is poised for its most competitive and exciting summer yet. The 2026 season will showcase collegiate talent from across the country, all competing in a centralized, development-focused environment that continues to grow each year.
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