Some big names leaving Minor League Baseball today. The second: Longtime executive Trevor Gooby is departing the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ Bradenton operations, as he takes a position with the Seattle Mariners.
With the Mariners, Gooby will take on the title of vice president of ballpark operations.
Gooby certainly had a distinguished tenure in Bradenton. He was involved a 30-year lease extension in 2007, and had a role in upgrades to both McKechnie Field and Pirate City. The makeover to McKechnie Field has not only been hailed as a fitting renovation for a classic facility–this spring it was voted by our readers as the Grapefruit League’s best ballpark–but it has proven to be a viable minor league home, as it has hosted the Bradenton Marauders (High A; Florida State League) since 2010.
Along with his contributions to the Pirates’ facilities, Gooby will also be remembered for helping to deliver a baby outside of McKechnie Field in March 2012. Given his impact both on and off the field, Gooby seems to be receiving appreciation from the Bradenton community. More from the Bradenton Herald:
The organizational growth in Florida has spread into both the surrounding community and the major league team. Last year, Pittsburgh generated an estimated $60 million in revenue for the community and last month was named to the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. This summer the Marauders crossed the 30-player mark of alumni to reach the majors. That number now stands at 34 in less than seven full seasons as the Pirates’ Class A Advanced affiliate.
“We as an organization, the Pirates, have really been able to turn around the facilities that we have here in Bradenton, working with the city of Bradenton, working with Manatee County and the state of Florida to really become the top spring training facility in Major League Baseball,” Gooby said. “We’ve been able to develop a really great program here in Bradenton and you can see the success we’ve had here in Bradenton has really translated to the major league level.”
Gooby will remain with the Pirates through September 22.