The Reds organization was founded in 2005 by Steve Hanson with a vision of providing year-
round baseball instruction with a high level of competitive play during the season.
In the summer of 2020 Bobby Kuntzendorf became the new President of the Northern Illinois
Reds. Bobby is a former NIU Pitcher and pitching coach. Bobby has coached since he finished
his collegiate career and brings with him a lot of first-hand experience with high level baseball.
Bobby’s goal is to develop committed players and provide as many opportunities to play after
high school as possible.

Also in the summer of 2020, as part of the effort to further develop the Reds organization and
its athletes, current high school and former Reds coach Joe Grimaldi came in as co-owner and
Vice President. Joe’s goal is to develop polished competitive players that are ready for both the
physical and mental rigors of the game. Together, Bobby and Joe also strive to maintain a
healthy culture for both the athletes and families within the organization. Immediately, the
work had begun, building a new home and name for the Reds organization. The Northern
Illinois Reds became the Reds Baseball Academy. In November of 2020 Bobby and Joe
completed construction of the Reds Baseball Academy indoor training facility located at 111 W.
Hydraulic Ave. in Yorkville Illinois.