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Greenberg, Sonju close on purchase of Frisco RoughRiders

Frisco RoughRidersThe first part of the Mandalay Baseball Properties selloff has been announced, with veteran baseball operator Chuck Greenberg and Scott Sonju buying the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League).

Terms of the deal were not announced.

A new corporation, Frisco RoughRiders LP, will include Greenberg, Sonju and local investors. Greenberg will be Chairman, CEO and Managing Partner of the team; Sonju will be co-Managing Partner and team president.

Greenberg and other investors also own the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) and the State College Spikes (short season A; NY-Penn League). He also held an ownership stake in the Texas Rangers, serving as CEO and managing partner when Tom Hicks sold his ownership of the franchise. Sonju is a long-time president of the RoughRiders.

Mandalay Baseball Properties has been the principal owner and operator of the Frisco franchise since its inception in 2003. Mandalay investors earlier announced a sale of all their MiLB teams, including the Dayton Dragons (Low Class A; Midwest League), Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Class AAA; International League), Oklahoma City RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League).

“We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with Chuck and Scott and to know that the franchise will continue to be in very capable hands,” said Art Matin, CEO of Mandalay Baseball.

“This is an exciting time for us and RoughRiders fans across the Metroplex,” Greenberg said. “The RoughRiders already have an outstanding operation and reputation and we are looking forward to further enhancing the fan experience at Dr Pepper Ballpark and throughout the community. The RoughRiders have a wonderful relationship with the Texas Rangers and we look forward to helping grow future players – and fans – for the Rangers.”

“Chuck brings so much to the table and we’ve put together a wonderful group of local partners,” Sonju said. “This will not only be a seamless transition for all of our employees, sponsors and fans, but will also position the RoughRiders to thrive even more in the years ahead.”

“The Rangers have enjoyed a productive and successful partnership with the Frisco RoughRiders for the last 12 years,” said Jon Daniels, Texas Rangers President of Baseball Operations. “We look forward to continuing that strong relationship with Chuck and Scott and their new ownership group. Our affiliation with Chuck’s group in Myrtle Beach has been outstanding and we congratulate them on the Frisco purchase.

“At the same time, the Rangers want to thank Mandalay Baseball for their leadership in Frisco,” Daniels added. “Under their operation, the RoughRiders have become one of the top franchises in the minor leagues and we are proud to have been associated with them.

“This is wonderful news for the citizens and businesses of Frisco and the entire region,” Frisco Mayor Maher Maso said. “The RoughRiders have been outstanding community partners and now being under local ownership will create even more opportunities.”

Other sales announcements are expected in coming weeks.

RELATED STORIES: Mandalay Baseball Properties on the block

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