Ron Coomer – Chicago Cubs: Former Player Returns as Analyst for 2025 Season
Ron Coomer, a former MLB player turned radio analyst, has become a familiar voice for Chicago Cubs fans. Born in Crest Hill, Illinois, on November 18, 1966, Coomer’s connection to the Cubs began when he signed as a free agent in 2001, spending one season with the team where he hit .261 with a .316 on-base percentage.
After his playing career ended, Coomer transitioned to broadcasting and currently serves as the Cubs radio analyst, bringing his baseball expertise to fans across Chicago. His insights have made him a valuable part of Cubs broadcasts, where he breaks down the game with clarity and knowledge gained from his years on the field.
Recently, Coomer has been in the spotlight discussing the Cubs’ upcoming appearance in the 2025 Tokyo Series and the significant addition of Kyle Tucker to the roster. As both a former Cub and current team analyst, Coomer provides a unique perspective that bridges the team’s past and present, making him an important voice in Cubs baseball.
Contents
Early Years and Amateur Career
Ron Coomer’s journey to Major League Baseball began in Illinois before he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1987. His formative years laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually bring him to the Chicago Cubs.
High School and College Achievements
Ronald Bryan Coomer was born on November 18, 1966, in Crest Hill, Illinois. He grew up in the Chicago area and attended Lockport Township High School where he developed his skills as an infielder.
At Lockport, Coomer showed promise with both his glove and bat. His natural talent for the game was evident as he stood out among his peers on the baseball diamond.
After high school, Coomer took his talents to Taft College in California. At Taft, he continued to develop his skills at the junior college level, primarily playing the corner infield positions that would define his professional career.
Draft and Minor League Beginnings
The Oakland Athletics selected Coomer in the 14th round of the 1987 amateur draft. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball journey, though his path to the majors wouldn’t be immediate.
Coomer’s minor league career started in the Athletics’ system, where he worked on refining his skills as both a first baseman and third baseman. Despite being in the A’s organization initially, he would later sign with the Chicago White Sox in 1991.
His early professional years were marked by determination and persistence. Coomer spent several seasons developing in the minor leagues before getting his first Major League opportunity.
Minor League Statistics (Early Career)
| Year | Organization | Level | Games | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Athletics | Rookie | 45 | .258 |
| 1988 | Athletics | A | 124 | .273 |
| 1991 | White Sox | AA | 132 | .277 |
Professional Playing Career
Ron Coomer carved out a solid major league career spanning eight seasons with four different teams. His journey through the big leagues included an All-Star appearance and playing multiple infield positions, primarily at first and third base.
Minnesota Twins Tenure
Coomer began his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins in 1995. After years in the minors, his persistence paid off when he made his major league debut on August 1, 1995, at age 28.
The right-handed infielder quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the Twins lineup. In 1996, his first full season, Coomer hit a respectable .256 with 16 home runs.
His production improved over the next few seasons in Minnesota. Coomer’s versatility proved valuable as he played both corner infield positions effectively. By 1998, he had become one of the Twins’ most consistent offensive threats.
Coomer’s Best Seasons with Twins:
| Year | Games | AVG | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 124 | .256 | 16 | 51 |
| 1997 | 140 | .298 | 15 | 65 |
| 1998 | 153 | .276 | 15 | 72 |
American League All-Star
Coomer’s finest season came in 1999 when his consistent play earned him recognition as an American League All-Star. This achievement marked the pinnacle of his professional career.
The 1999 campaign saw Coomer hit .263 with 16 home runs and 65 RBIs. His selection to the All-Star team validated his status as one of the more reliable infielders in the league at that time.
Though he appeared in just one Midsummer Classic, the honor cemented his legacy as a player who maximized his abilities. His All-Star selection highlighted his development from late-blooming prospect to established major leaguer.
Later Years with Yankees, Dodgers, and Cubs
After six productive seasons in Minnesota, Coomer signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs in 2001. His one season with the Cubs saw him hit .261 with 8 home runs in 111 games.
Coomer then moved to the New York Yankees in 2002. Though his playing time decreased, joining the storied franchise represented a significant career milestone. He appeared in 49 games for the Yankees, hitting .264 in limited action.
His major league journey concluded with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2003. Throughout his career, Coomer demonstrated remarkable adaptability, playing multiple positions and contributing to four different franchises. He finished with career totals of 92 home runs and a .274 batting average across 744 major league games.
Post-Playing Career
After hanging up his cleats in 2003, Ron Coomer successfully transitioned from the field to the broadcast booth, establishing himself as a respected voice in baseball commentary.
Transition to Broadcasting
Coomer’s broadcasting journey began shortly after his retirement from Major League Baseball. He first gained experience as a color analyst for Fox Sports North covering Minnesota Twins games. The former All-Star infielder brought his playing experience and baseball knowledge to viewers in the Twin Cities area.
In his early broadcasting days, Coomer worked at KTWN-FM in Minneapolis, developing his on-air skills and building his reputation as a thoughtful commentator. His transition from player to broadcaster appeared seamless, with his easy-going personality and deep understanding of the game translating well to media work.
Coomer’s playing experience—having spent time with four MLB teams—gave him a broad perspective that resonated with listeners and viewers. This foundation helped him establish credibility quickly in his new career.
Chicago Cubs Radio Network
In 2014, Coomer returned to Chicago—where he had played for the Cubs in 2001—to join the Cubs radio broadcast team. He partnered with veteran play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes on WSCR 670 AM (The Score), which had become the Cubs’ flagship station after the team’s long relationship with WGN Radio ended.
The timing couldn’t have been better for Coomer. He joined the booth just as the Cubs were beginning their climb toward their historic 2016 World Series championship. This gave him a front-row seat to one of baseball’s greatest drought-ending stories.
In 2019, both Coomer and Hughes received multi-year contract extensions with the Cubs Radio Network, cementing Coomer’s place in the Chicago sports media landscape. The pair has developed strong chemistry and a loyal following among Cubs fans.
Coomer as a Sportscaster
Now 52 years old, Coomer has established himself as more than just a former player with a microphone. His broadcasting style combines analytical insights with relatable explanations that appeal to both hardcore and casual fans.
Coomer’s commentary reflects his playing days—straightforward, no-nonsense, but with flashes of humor. He frequently draws from his experiences as an All-Star with the Twins and his time with other MLB teams to provide unique perspectives on player development and in-game strategy.
Beyond regular season duties, Coomer participates in pre- and post-game shows and represents the Cubs at various community events. His Chicago roots—growing up on the city’s Southwest Side—make him particularly relatable to the local fan base and strengthen his connection with listeners.
| Broadcasting Role | Years | Network/Station |
|---|---|---|
| Twins Analyst | 2005-2013 | Fox Sports North |
| Cubs Radio Analyst | 2014-Present | WSCR 670 AM |
Awards and Recognitions
Ron Coomer’s baseball career has been marked by notable achievements both on and off the field. His professional accomplishments include recognition as an All-Star player and a lasting impact on Major League Baseball.
All-Star Selection
Ron Coomer reached the pinnacle of individual recognition in 1999 when he was selected to the American League All-Star Team while playing for the Minnesota Twins. This honor came during what many consider his best professional season.
Coomer earned this distinction by posting solid offensive numbers during the first half of the 1999 season. His selection represented the Twins organization during a rebuilding period for the franchise.
| Year | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Minnesota Twins | American League All-Star |
Before joining the Cubs, this All-Star selection was the most prominent individual award of his MLB career. It validated his status as one of the better infielders in the American League during that period.
Legacy in Major League Baseball
Coomer’s career includes receiving the Twins Bill Boni Outstanding Rookie Award in 1996, recognizing his impact as a newcomer to the major leagues. His contributions extended beyond Minnesota when he signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2001.
Though his Cubs tenure lasted just one season, Coomer hit a respectable .261 with the team. His post-playing career has further cemented his legacy within the organization.
Coomer has made his mark as a Cubs color analyst, bringing his playing experience and knowledge to fans through broadcasting. His connection to Chicago continues through special appearances, including as a speaker at South Bend Cubs Foundation events.
Before reaching the majors, Coomer earned collegiate recognition as the Player of the Year in the Western State Conference in 1986 while hitting .385 and leading his team to a championship.
Personal Life and Off-Field Ventures
Ron Coomer’s life beyond the baseball diamond reflects his deep Chicago roots and commitment to developing young talent. His journey from the Southwest Side to baseball success has come full circle through his family connections and dedication to youth baseball.
Family and Personal Background
Born and raised on Chicago’s Southwest Side, Coomer’s local ties run deep. The 52-year-old former All-Star has maintained strong connections to his hometown throughout his career.
After his playing days, Coomer settled in Orland Park, Illinois, balancing his broadcasting career with family life. His father played a significant role in his baseball development, instilling the work ethic that would carry him to the major leagues.
Coomer’s wife has supported his multifaceted career, from his playing days through his transition to broadcasting and business ventures. Their family life has remained relatively private despite Coomer’s public profile in Chicago sports.
Contribution to Youth Baseball
Coomer founded C.F. Swingtown Baseball Academy, a training facility dedicated to developing young baseball talent. The academy represents his commitment to giving back to the sport that defined his life.
His baseball facility provides instruction, training opportunities, and mentorship to aspiring players. Coomer draws from his own professional experience to guide young athletes. He emphasizes both technical skills and the mental approach.
The academy’s impact extends beyond physical training. Coomer has created an environment where young players learn discipline and teamwork — values he cultivated during his career.
Following his father’s example, who served in the Air Force, Coomer brings that sense of discipline and structure to his youth baseball programs. His commitment to developing the next generation of players remains one of his most significant contributions to Chicago baseball.
Career Statistics and Playing Style
Ron Coomer’s nine-year MLB career showcased his reliable batting and defensive versatility. Playing primarily at first and third base, he established himself as a dependable infielder with consistent offensive production.
Batting and Fielding Performance
Coomer finished his career with a solid .274 batting average and a respectable .734 OPS. His power numbers were modest but effective, totaling 92 career home runs and 449 RBIs over his time in the majors.
At 5’11” and 195 pounds, Coomer wasn’t the prototypical power hitter but made the most of his compact frame. He demonstrated particular effectiveness against left-handed pitching, making him a valuable platoon option.
Defensively, Coomer showed versatility by playing multiple positions. While primarily splitting time between first base and third base, he occasionally played right field, giving managers flexibility with lineup construction.
Notable Achievements and Records
Coomer’s most memorable achievement came during his time with the Minnesota Twins. He earned an All-Star selection in 1999. This recognition validated his consistent performance and standing among his peers.
His career with the Twins represented his most productive years. He established himself as a reliable infield presence during the team’s rebuilding period of the late 1990s.
| Season | Team | Games | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | Multiple | – | .274 | 92 | 449 | .734 |
| Best Season | MIN (1999) | – | .290+ | 16 | 65 | .770+ |
Analysts noted that Coomer was most valuable in a role with around 250 at-bats rather than as an everyday player. This showcased his effectiveness as a specialized contributor rather than a franchise cornerstone.
