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Personnel News: Charlotte, Medford

Charlotte Knights

We have personnel news to report from the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) and the Medford Rogues (summer collegiate; Great West League). 

In Charlotte, the Knights have announced several additions to their front office for the 2017 season.

Starting with the hiring of Rob Egan, the team’s new general manager of baseball operations, in October, the Knights have added 13 new front office members during the course of the offseason. Along with the 13 new staff, the team has also added nine seasonal associates, and a new Food and Beverage provider, Professional Sports Catering, giving the team 30 new front office employees for the franchise’s 30th season.

In the sales department, the Knights have hired eight new members. Executives Mark Dacko (business development executive) and Alain Lillie (corporate sales executive) bring the team a long track record of sponsorship and marketing sales. In the ticket department, the Knights have added six new sales representatives headed by Samantha Davis (director of group sales) and including Otto Loor (ticket sales account executive), Shea Maple (Sr. ticket sales account executive), Ethan Samarel (ticket sales account executive), Nathan Tessler (ticket sales and business operations analyst), and David Woodard (ticket sales account executive).

As the Knights continue to work within the community, the team has welcomed a new community relations director for the 2017 season, Rachel Mark. Along with Mark, the Knights have also hired promotions manager Courtney Wright. Rounding out the new front office staff members are Amanda Bullard (front desk receptionist) and Tim Johnson (grounds assistant).

“We are very pleased to welcome all of these important new members to our front office staff,” stated Knights chief operating officer, Dan Rajkowski. “As we enter our fourth season in Uptown Charlotte, we’re continuing to grow, and expanding our staff was vital to our success. We look forward to continuing to provide a great experience for our fans during the upcoming season.

In addition to the new staff, the Knights have also promoted the following individuals since the fall: David Ruckman (vice president of entertainment), Yogi Brewington (Sr. ticket sales account executive), Kevin Hughes (Sr. ticket sales account executive), and Megan Smithers (business/community relations coordinator).

“The promotions of several staff members are a reflection of their knowledge and experience,” added Rajkowski. “As they grow, we’re pleased to promote them to new positions within their departments and in relation to our overall operation.”

In Meford, the Rogues have added former major leaguer Freddy Sandoval to their front office.

Sandoval will step in as director of baseball development, working with the Rogues players, as well as in the community.

“We’re excited to have Freddy join the Rogues” said acting general manager, Carolyn Birch. “With his Major League experience on the field and off, he will be an invaluable asset to the growth of our organization. He is incredibly passionate and invested in developing strong players.  We are truly lucky to be able to offer our team and the community the opportunity to work with Freddy and in a Major League caliber training program”.

As Rogues director of baseball development, Sandoval will launch the new Rogues’ Big League instructional program, working with coaches and players of all ages, both in a clinic and one on one capacity. During the season, he will consult with the Rogues coaching staff, working with the team on their mental game with a focus on mind body connection. Throughout the year, Freddy will also represent the Rogues in the community, working with team’s charitable partners.

A graduate of University of San Diego, Sandoval was drafted in 2004 in the 8th Round by the Anaheim Angels. During his time in the Angel’s farm system, he boasted an impressive list of accolades including being named team Captain, named to both mid and post season All-star games, played in the Future’s Game and was recognized as Best Defensive Third Baseman two years in a row. Sandoval made his major league debut for the Angels in 2008 against the New York Yankees, and was subsequently awarded the Anaheim Angels Organizational Player of the Year. After retiring in 2011, he was named Mental Skills Coach for the Kansas City Royals Organization (which at that time was groundbreaking position that only a handful of other Major League Baseball teams employed) and was with the Royals for their 2014 ALCS and 2015 World Series victories. In 2016, Freddy left the Royals to spend more time with his family and to launch his business The Choice to Believe; offering professional coaching and consulting services specializing in mental skills and developing mind body connection.

Sandoval recently settled down in the Rogue Valley and is a proud father to two boys. Through his business Choice to Believe, he continues to travel around the world working with Major League players and coaches, Fortune 500 companies, and individuals looking to improve their lives and performance. Along with his new work with the Rogues, he continues to keep a hand in professional baseball as the Mental Skills Coach with the Tijuana Toros in the Mexican League.

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