PEORIA MAGAZINE May 2023

Coach Christine Whitlock, working a baseball drill with a Peoria Chiefs player

MAKING HISTORY Making history with the Cardinals hasn’t been a solo journey, said Whitlock. “I’m thankful for the confidence John Mozeliak (president of baseball operations) and Gary LaRoque have demonstrated in offering me this opportunity,” she said. “I feel like every draftee, Golden Glove winner, batting champion and Hall of Fame inductee – grateful, blessed and honored to represent a great organization such as the St. Louis Cardinals.” Plew said his daughter is “just happy to be a coach there, and so am I ... It’s an honor to be part of the Cardinals.” Whitlock acknowledges that she’s still growing. “I trust that I will learn much from the many veteran coaches and staff members who impact and support our athletes and their dream of playing at Busch Stadium.”

assisting in hitting, base running, outfield defense and coaching first base. “I’m still learning about the athletes. I’ve seen it from the scouting side, the data side, the spring training. Now it’s about what it’s going to look like being on the road,” she said. “I’m taking the time to learn about our athletes and what will be best and most helpful to get them to the next level.” When it comes to her coaching philos ophy, it’s about “the whole athlete,” she said. “It’s important to understand there’s a mindset, skillset and humanness that goes with practicing and performing day in and day out. Also, my understanding of being a professional athlete helps me understand where they’re coming from.” Of course, beyond the coach/player dynamic is the gender one, with many if not most of these male players accustomed to working almost exclusively with male coaches as they moved up through the ranks. Any concerns? “I know many of them (the players) from last year, so I have some relationships that developed, so that’s nice,” said Whitlock. “Now it’s getting to know them and how they work. It’s a different perspective … The Cardinals do a great job in drafting quality young men. No matter who comes in, it’ll be a respectful environment.”

While looking forward to a great season, she also has an eye on the future. Other positions that may interest her include pitching instructor, manager and front office or player development roles. FAMILY AND FAITH Whitlock became a single mother in 2002 when her husband, Brian, died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart ailment. Nine days later, she gave birth to the couple’s second son. Today, the sons are grown – Aaron is 22, Brian 20 – and live together in a house they purchased in South Carolina. They spent their youth at ballfields with their mom, but turned their attention to other sports such as soccer, football and lacrosse. “I’m really proud of them. They’re doing well,” Whitlock said. “It’s been a challenge with my coaching career, but my faith … has led me. “For me, I know that we have a Maker and we have a Savior, and He has given us absolute love, and part of that is to persevere and protect the things you love and not fail. When you do face something challenging, I just try to go back to if you persevere, you won’t fail.”

Lisa Coon is a Peoria native who had a long career in the newspaper industry before moving into marketing and communications

36 MAY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE