Some personnel news to report from the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League): Ben Hemmen is new assistant GM and Andrew Kappes the new voice of the team.
The moves were announced by new GM and COO Adam Nuse.
“We as a staff are dedicated to revving up the fun and entertainment at Bowling Green Ballpark this season,” Nuse said. “These new additions coincide with the new energy and ideas we are looking for, and will help provide fans a great new experience at the ballpark this season.”
Hemmen arrives in Bowling Green after spending the past five seasons with the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), where he earned a reputation as one of the most energetic people in pro baseball. As assistant general manager, Hemmen will be focused on the fan experience at Bowling Green Ballpark and engaging the community with Hot Rods baseball. He will assist Nuse in developing the organizational business plan and assist in a variety of areas including ticket & advertising sales, marketing, promotions, community relations, creative services, and media relations. Ben will oversee the annual marketing plan including partnerships with all major media outlets in and around Bowling Green.
He joined the Storm Chasers as an intern in 2009, but was elevated to promotions manager before the end of the year. In 2012, Hemmen was named the director of marketing and promotions. While still promoting the team, he also served as the face of the team as the on-field emcee, managed the promotional team, oversaw all in-game entertainment, coordinated team marketing, monitored the Chasers social media sites, ventured out in the community often for public appearances and speaking engagements, and even sold corporate advertising, groups, and season ticket packages.
“It is an honor to join my good friend and now boss (Nuse) for a new breed of Hot Rods baseball,” said Hemmen. “I am very excited to continue my baseball education in Bowling Green and want to thank the Katzoff family for this wonderful opportunity. If there is one thing that our fans can expect from me, it’s passion. I learned early in Omaha that our business is not a job, but a lifestyle, and one that I am passionate about and thankful to have.”
Kappes is the new broadcasting and media relations manager, and becomes the third broadcaster in Hot Rods’ history. Kappes will serve as the voice of the team on the club’s flagship station, 1340-AM WBGN – The Ticket. He will broadcast all 140 games this season, both home and away. Kappes, a Kentucky native, joins the Hot Rods after spending the 2013 season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Class AAA; International League) as the media relations and broadcasting assistant.
Prior to his stay with the RailRiders, he was with the Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League). During the off-season, Kappes can be found bouncing around the country broadcasting college basketball, usually with his alma mater, Northern Kentucky University.
“I’m really excited and thankful for the opportunity that the Hot Rods have afforded me,” said Kappes. “I can’t wait to paint the action for our fans, and contribute to the fun, new atmosphere that is being installed this season at Bowling Green Ballpark. The Katzoff family is bringing something tremendous to Bowling Green, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
The Hot Rods also announce the promotion of Atlee McHeffey. McHeffey has been elevated to director of creative services. He plays a huge role in the fan experience at Bowling Green Ballpark, and works tirelessly to meet the needs of both fans and corporate partners. McHeffey has been with the Hot Rods since baseball returned to Bowling Green in 2009.
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