...happy to be here.
The South Bend Proudest Monkeys are proud to announce the hiring of Dong-po “Hunter” Thum as the team’s new AAA hitting coach. Thum, a 2060 Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most respected hitters in BBA history, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to an organization focused on rebuilding from the ground up.
In his legendary playing career, Thum compiled staggering numbers: 3,484 hits, 684 doubles, 262 home runs, and a career batting average of .302 over nearly 3,000 BBA games. With a career .365 OBP and .826 OPS, Thum was as consistent as he was feared. His elite bat-to-ball skills, professional approach, and work ethic made him a cornerstone of every clubhouse he entered—and now, he’ll bring those same qualities to the dugout.
GM Simon spoke about the significance of this hire and what it means for the Proudest Monkeys' future.
“In order to rebuild this organization, we have to do it from the bottom up,” Simon said. “That means investing in high-character, high-IQ coaches and teachers who can help shape the next generation. Dong-po Thum is exactly the kind of professional we want showing our kids how to play the game the right way.”
Thum’s reputation across the league as a mentor and student of the game made him a natural fit for the coaching ranks. Known for his thoughtful approach to hitting and deep understanding of opposing pitchers, Thum will now have the chance to pass that knowledge on to South Bend’s rising stars.
“I’ve been blessed with a long career in this game, and I’m excited to give back,” Thum said. “Coaching in AAA means helping guys make that final jump—and I take that responsibility seriously. We’re going to build something special here in South Bend.”
As the Proudest Monkeys look to reestablish themselves as a pipeline for top-tier talent, the hiring of Hunter Thum marks a major step forward. With his leadership in the batter’s box and beyond, the next generation of hitters in South Bend is in exceptional hands.
