Andrew Buchbinder is the new Voice of the Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League), while the Lansing Lugnuts (Low Class A; Midwest League) and several other teams announced personnel changes for the 2013 season.
Buchbinder comes to the Cards from the Hickory Crawdads (Low Class A; Sally League), where he spent four seasons as the team’s broadcaster. Before that he spent time with the ECHL’s Bakersfield Condors and as a season as the Voice of the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League).
“After a nationwide search, we’re excited to welcome Andrew to the Cardinals family,” said Springfield Cardinals Vice President/General Manager Matt Gifford. “We feel that his experience, enthusiasm and professionalism will fit well within our organization both on and off the air and we look forward to having him behind the mic when the season kicks off on April 4.”
He replaces Jeff Levering, who joined the Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) broadcast team.
“It is an immense honor to follow Jeff Levering as the Broadcaster and Public Relations Manager for the Springfield Cardinals and join the rich tradition of broadcasters to call all different levels of Cardinals baseball,” said Buchbinder. “Springfield has one of the best reputations and fanbases in all of Minor League Baseball, and I can’t wait to get to know everyone as we watch the future of the St. Louis Cardinals develop.”
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Jennifer Swanchara is the new public address announcer at Cooley Law School Stadium.
A native of Berkley, MI, Swanchara is currently majoring in Broadcast Journalism at MSU. She brings a wealth of broadcast experience, handling volleyball and women’s basketball color analysis for Big Ten Network Student U Productions, interning at WILX TV-10, and serving as a DJ on Impact 88.9 FM.
“Jennifer impressed us with her poise, instincts and technical ability,” said Lugnuts Director of Marketing Jeremy Smoker. “We’ll be excited to introduce her as the voice of Cooley Law School Stadium at the Crosstown Showdown.”
In other Lugnuts news, Slavko Bekovic is the new #2 in the broadcast booth, joining Jesse Goldberg-Strassler.
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The High Desert Mavericks (High Class A; California League) have a new general manager: Cory John.
John brings with him more than 10 years of sales experience to the California League club that has doubled the size of the front office staff and worked closely with the City of Adelanto to renovate several areas of Mavericks Stadium during the offseason.
“Cory John has the experience, talent, determination and vision to lead the Mavericks as we start a new chapter of pro baseball in the High Desert,” said team owner Dave Heller. “Cory is an incredibly talented guy and will be working around-the-clock to change the culture at Mavericks Stadium and make it a place for memorable baseball games, community gatherings and affordable, family-friendly fun.”
John comes to the Mavericks from EAC Product Development Solutions, a 3D Engineering CAD Software company, where he won several awards for sales excellence. John has also worked the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League and the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. John studied at the University of Minnesota and got his start in pro sports with the Greeneville Astros (rookie; Appalachian League).
“I am thrilled to be following my dream and thankful to be part of a great organization like Main Street Baseball,” John said. “I am also excited to work with the new front office staff, all of whom are dedicated to making sure our fans have the best experience every time they come to the ballpark, and show people in the High Desert region what real, affordable family-friendly fun looks like.”
The announcement comes during an offseason in which the team and the City of Adelanto have brought major improvements to Mavericks Stadium. Both the team and the City of Adelanto are hard at work on a wide range of improvements to the ballpark, all of which are expected to be completed before Opening Day.
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Michael Johnson is the new GM of the St. Cloud Rox (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), replacing Wes Sharp.
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