We have a new principal owner and managing partner of the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League): local businessman Mark Butler, taking the reins from Michael Reinsdorf.
Reinsdorf, president and COO of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and a sports investor, will remain as a minority owner of the team.
“Michael and I have been discussing this change for quite some time,” Butler said via press release. “I’d like to thank Michael for his leadership in building an outstanding executive management team as well as for his intimate involvement in building one of the finest minor league ballparks in America. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Michael.”
“I am very pleased with the new structure,” Reinsdorf said. “Ultimately, it’s always good to have local ownership leading the hometown team, and it doesn’t get any better than Mark.”
Butler is president and CEO of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and was an minority investor in the team before the transition. He’s beginning his tenure as team owner with a bang. The Senators are announcing the largest promo in team history: Free Hersheypark one-day admission tickets to the first 2,000 children 12-and-under who enter Metro Bank Park on Saturday, April 11 and the first 1,000 children on Sunday, May 10. All Hersheypark tickets distributed will be valid through June 30, 2015.
“I have known Mark Butler for a long time and in his role as chairman of the board of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation he has done wonderful things to help kids in need,” said Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. “There is no one better for baseball in Central Pennsylvania and for the community than Mark. He is a true leader and the Senators will be in good hands.”
“We are pleased to see Mark Butler taking over the helm at the Harrisburg Senators and we are confident he will elevate the club to new heights,” said Doug Harris, vice president/assistant general manager player development and pro scouting, Washington Nationals. “We look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial relationship into the future.”
“We are thrilled that Mark Butler has committed his resources and talent to becoming the principal owner of the Senators,” said Eastern League President Joe McEacharn. “His passion for community service, for Senators baseball, and for customer service make him the ideal leader for the Harrisburg franchise. This is a home run for the Eastern League, the City of Harrisburg, and all Senators’ fans and partners.”