We have personnel news today from the High Desert Mavericks (High Class A; California League), Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League).
Big changes for the Mavs: Ryan Cook has been promoted to Vice President, while Ben Hemmen is the new General Manager.
Hemmen has worked the past seven years in Minor League Baseball, serving previously as the Assistant General Manager with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Director of Marketing and Promotions with the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League).
“Ben Hemmen is a rising star in minor league baseball,” said Mavericks owner Dave Heller. “He has a strong commitment to customer service, a love for baseball, and a genuine understanding of how we can build on the great work Ryan Cook has done to make Heritage Field a great place for families to spend quality time together and have a lot of fun all summer long. Working together, I am sure they will return Mavericks baseball to its glory days of the early 1990s.”
Hemmen has earned a reputation as one of the most energetic people in pro baseball. As Assistant General Manager, he focused on the fan experience at Bowling Green Ballpark and engaging the community with Hot Rods baseball. Hemmen assisted General Manager/COO Adam Nuse in developing the organizational business plan and assisting in a variety of areas including partner/vendor relationships, marketing, promotions, community relations, creative services, media relations and ballpark operations.
Hemmen 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.
“I want to thank Dave Heller and Jim Coufos for the opportunity to join a first-rate organization,” Hemmen said. “Mavericks baseball is all about the people of the High Desert, and I look forward to living in — and becoming thoroughly immersed in — this great community.”
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We have a new play-by-play announcer for the Great Lakes Loons: Chris Vosters.
Vosters, who worked last season as the number two play-by-play voice of the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League), replaces longtime Loons broadcaster Brad Golder, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities.
“We are excited to have Chris as the new voice of Loons baseball,” said Loons President and General Manager Scott Litle. “He has a great ability to call a baseball game and will continue to make Loons baseball fun to listen to all summer.”
Vosters, a native of Brookfield, Wis., comes to the Loons with extensive broadcast experience. A 2013 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Vosters is a nine-time Wisconsin Broadcasters Association award winner. He was the Sports Director of WSUM-FM 91.7, the student voice of Wisconsin athletics, and covered three Rose Bowls and two Big Ten Championship football games.
Vosters’ baseball broadcast experience also includes two seasons in the collegiate summer Northwoods Baseball League, where he provided play-by-play for the league’s All-Star Game, Big League Dream Showcase, and select postseason games.
“I’m really excited to join the Great Lakes Loons and to be part of an organization that plays such an important role in the community,” said Vosters. “I’m looking to add my own element to Loons broadcasts while continuing the great work that Brad Golder has done over the years.”
Golder has been the Loons play-by-play announcer since the team’s inaugural 2007 season.
Vosters will also serve as ESPN 100.9-FM’s Program Manager, as well as its lead announcer for high school football and basketball. He’s been the preps broadcaster for 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee since last September.
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For the Legends, Sarah Bosso has been promoted to director of business development. She was previously director of community relations and special events.