We have personnel news to report from the Hagerstown Suns (Low A; Sally League) and the Watertown Rapids (summer collegiate; Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League).
In Hagerstown, the Suns have named Shawn Murnin as their new Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting. He will serve as the Suns primary media contact as well as the Voice of the Suns for the 2018 season.
Murnin, who was the Media Relations and Broadcast Assistant for the Midwest League’s Peoria Chiefs (Low; Midwest League) in 2017, replaces Kevin Gehl who is leaving to pursue other opportunities.
“We are very excited to be adding Shawn to our staff for the 2018 season,” Suns GM Travis Painter remarked. “Shawn brings a great work ethic and enthusiasm that will be evident on all of our 2018 home broadcasts.”
Murnin joins the Suns after spending last season with the Chiefs where he was the team’s number-two broadcaster while executing a host of media relations responsibilities. In the two years prior, he was the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Mankato MoonDogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) and received the 2015 Northwoods League Play-by-Play Announcer of the Year award.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to work with Hagerstown’s front office while bringing Suns baseball to fans from all over,” Murnin said. “I’m looking to improve on the great experience Kevin Gehl gave fans in 2017 while bringing my own style and personality to every broadcast.”
The 29-year-old spent 2011 as a Broadcasting and Media Relations Assistant with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) and is a 2011 graduate of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he was the sports director of the school’s student-run radio station, 90.3 FM WESS. While at ESU, Murnin called football and baseball games and co-hosted a weekly radio program.
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In Watertown, the Rapids have named Madeline Hoyle as the organization’s Operations Manager.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in Sport Management, Hoyle worked in ticket sales for FC Dallas of Major League Soccer before joining the Rapids.
“We are happy to have Madeline joining our staff,” Rapids Owner Mike Schell said. “Her experience, great attitude, and willingness to learn will make her a great part of our team.”
Hoyle has gained experience in operations with the Auburn Doubledays (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) in Auburn, NY as well as with the Glasgow Warriors professional rugby organization in Glasgow, Scotland.
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be involved in the founding of a team,” Hoyle said. “I’m excited to be in Watertown and for everything that we will accomplish this year.”
Hoyle will be assisting Rapids General Manager Andrew Sagarin in many facets of running the business side of the team, including building partnerships with local businesses, working with player host families, hiring and managing interns and part-time staff, and inventory management, among other responsibilities.
“Madeline has a strong work ethic and drive that will make her successful,” Sagarin said. “She loves the business of baseball and is looking forward to working with our fans and business partners in the Greater Watertown area.”