After serving in the role for the team’s inaugural season, Robbie Fenyes will no longer be the president and general manger of the Cleburne Railroaders (independent; American Association).
Fenyes revealed this week that he is not returning to the team for next season. The Railroaders made their debut at The Depot at Cleburne Station in May, and went on to average 1,780 fans per-game, good for ninth in the 11-team American Association. In addition, The Depot at Cleburne Station won the fan voting in our Best of the Ballparks 2017 contest for independent league facilities.
Both Fenyes and Neltex Sports Group, the Railroaders ownership organization, confirmed that he will not continue his role next season. In discussing his departure, Fenyes noted the work that he and the staff put into the inaugural season. Cleburne mayor Scott Cain, who emphasized that personnel decisions concerning the team are made by Neltex and not the city, had some views on the future of the team. The city owns the ballpark and trademark to the team’s name, and Cain said that he would like to see the club step up its marketing efforts. More from the Cleburne Times-Review:
“I worked very hard along with our staff to bring baseball to the community, run a professional organization and develop a gathering place for family, friendly and affordable community entertainment and great pride,” Fenyes said. “I am incredibly proud of the state, and the accomplishments achieved in the inaugural year. Exceeding the attendance goals and winning 2017 Independent Ballpark of the Year are some of the cherished memories of this first season. Making a difference in families and lives for those that enjoyed the ballpark, however, truly achieved my goal.
“The three years spent working on this project have been the best of my career. During my tenure, I hope that I contributed to building a solid foundation of professional baseball, stadium operations and a community partner to last a lifetime in Cleburne.”
Cain declined to specifically comment on Fenyes’ ouster but called the first year of the Railroaders’ return an amazing experience. Cain added, however, that he hopes to see the team take it to the next level in the upcoming season.
“The Railroaders are seen as an extension of our community so that’s the message we want to send,” Cain said. “I’ve expressed that I want to see more marketing. To be blunt, I don’t think they did much in the way of marketing this last year.”
Fenyes will depart the team as of Friday. Neltex confirmed that Bill Adams, who has been serving as the Railiroaders assistant general manager, will be elevated to the general-manager position.