We have personnel news today from the Normal CornBelters (independent; Frontier League) and the Charleston RiverDogs (Low A; Sally League).
Mike Petrini is the new General Manager of the CornBelters. A native of Ridgefield, CT, Petrini started his career as a sales representative for the Charleston RiverDogs. He earned his Masters in Sports Management from The Citadel where he served as marketing assistant for the Citadel Athletic Department before coming to Normal.
“Mr. Petrini started with me. I never thought he would ascend this quickly,” said Mike Veeck, the RiverDogs President Emeritus who is also advising the CornBelters. “He’s smart, creative but, most importantly, he works hard. He knows what he doesn’t know but he and Steve will be a dynamic duo — not the super heroes — but close. I’m proud to be his partner.”
As for Steve Malliet, who has been the acting GM for five of the CornBelters’ seven seasons, he will remain as the President of the organization and will focus his energy and knowledge on generating more special events at the Corn Crib, while Petrini will take control of the day-to-day baseball operations.
“I am extremely grateful and excited for this opportunity,” Petrini said. “Bloomington-Normal is a great community and I am looking forward to introducing the residents to a new outlook on professional baseball.”
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In Charleston, RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols announced that Kristen Wolfe has been promoted to Director of Special Events.
Wolfe, who graduated in May 2012 from the College of Charleston, interned with the RiverDogs during the summer of 2011 and has since worked alongside of Melissa McCants Azevedo in orchestrating and managing the club’s many year-round special events.
“Kristen has been with us for six years and has earned this promotion,” said Echols. “She is a professional who is detailed-oriented and is ready for the challenges that our many special events bring.”
“I’m honored and excited to be a part of the growth of the RiverDogs’ organization and look forward to another great year with our incredible staff,” said Wolfe.
The club’s annual special events range from RiverDogs’-themed golf outings to beer festivals and from summer baseball camps to competitive running events, including the 2012 South Atlantic League All-Star Game and, most recently, the Legends in the South Alumni Game that featured former players from the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.
A captain of the Cougars’ cross country and track and field teams, Wolfe was the College of Charleston’s nominee for the Coleman Lew Leadership Award presented by the Southern Conference. While a student, she also interned with the Cooper River Bridge Run.
Azevedo will continue in her role as Vice President of Special Events. Additionally, Haley Kirchner has been added to the special events staff as manager, replacing Wolfe.