Peoria Chiefs
From BR Bullpen
- Location: Peoria, IL
- League: Three-I League 1953-1957; Midwest League 1984-present
- Affiliation: St. Louis Cardinals 1953-1956; New York Yankees 1957; California Angels 1984; Chicago Cubs 1985-1994; St. Louis Cardinals 1995-2004; Chicago Cubs 2005-present
- Ballpark: Pete Vonachen Stadium 1984-May 2002; O'Brien Field May 2002-present
The Peoria Chiefs are currently the Chicago Cubs affilliate in the Midwest League. The Peoria club began play in 1983, when a team was moved from Danville, IL. The club, then known as the Peoria Suns, was a California Angels affiliate and played their home games at Meinen Field. After the season, the Suns were sold to Peoria businessman Pete Vonachen, who renamed them the Chiefs. In 1985, the team became a Chicago Cubs affiliate, and in 1992 their ballpark was renamed Pete Vonachen Stadium. The Chiefs became a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate in 1995. Midway through the 2002 season, they moved into a new downtown ballpark, O'Brien Field, and that same year, they became Midwest League Champion. In 2005, the Chiefs became a Cubs affiliate once again.
Albert Pujols, Greg Maddux, Rafael Palmeiro, and Mark Grace are among the biggest stars to have played for the Chiefs. Other alumni include Coco Crisp, Wally Joyner, Joe Girardi, and Jack Wilson.
Pete Vonachen's son, Rocky, is currently the team's President.
