Kevin Santiago was named new Hitting coach of the ThunderBolts on February 21, 2019 replacing Erik Lis. The 2019 season will be Santiago’s first season as Hitting Coach for the ThunderBolts and fifth season as a professional coach.  

Santiago’s first coaching position was as an assistant at Stagg High School for two seasons (2001-02). Santiago was hired by the Joliet Jackhammers (Northern League) to be an assistant from 2002-04 before leaving baseball. He returned last season in 2018 as an assistant for the Joliet Slammers helping the club win the Frontier League Championship. Kevin is also an assistant coach for Saint Xavier University (NAIA) in the spring season. 

Kevin played his high school ball in nearby Tinley Park at Andrew High School, where he earned All-Conference, All-Area and All-State honors. After high school he played at South Suburban College (NJCAA) in South Holland. He represented the Bulldogs well finishing as the career home run leader for the team. He also was named to the All-Regional team twice and earned All-American honors.