We have personnel news to report from the Daytona Tortugas (High A; Florida State League) and the Hagerstown Suns (Low A; Sally League).
In Daytona, the Tortugas have announced the promotion of Jim Jaworski to General Manager. Jaworski enters his tenth season with Daytona Baseball after serving the previous two seasons as the Vice President of Business Development. Within his most recent role, Jaworski has played an integral part in a 21% attendance bump in 2017 and a record setting year in total revenue for the 2018 season.
Within Jaworski’s new role, he will handle the day-to-day operations of the Daytona Tortugas and all events at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Jim Jaworski began his career with the Lakeland Flying Tigers (High A; Florida State League) before joining the Daytona Cubs prior to the 2010 season as the Ticket and Group Sales Manager. Jaworski spent three seasons as the Director of Group Sales and Merchandise before being promoted to the Assistant General Manager in 2014. After three seasons as the Assistant General Manager, Jaworski was promoted to Vice President of Business Development in December, 2016.
“It is amazing to think how much I’ve been able to grow within this community,” said Jaworski. “I cannot wait for the 2019 season to arrive and for the amazing things this organization has in its future.” With this promotion, Jaworski will oversee a staff that has nearly doubled in the past 18 months and continues to develop some of the best young talent within the industry. Jaworski stated, “I believe we have arguably the best front office in minor league baseball and our fans are second to none. I couldn’t be more proud to work within this organization and look forward to building upon this role.”
Ryan Keur remains Team President for the Daytona Tortugas. “I’m so proud of his professional development over the past two seasons and believe this is perfect time and opportunity for this promotion as we continue to grow and scale our business and staff here in Central Florida. Our goal as an organization is to continue to build the Tortugas brand locally, regionally and nationally while elevating the profile of Jackie Robinson Ballpark. These new responsibilities for Jim allow us to accomplish all of these goals.”
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In Hagerstown, the Suns have named John Kocsis Jr. their new Director of Media Relations/Broadcasting. He will broadcast all 70 Suns home games from historic Municipal Stadium and select road games online via TuneIn Radio.
The 24-year-old replaces Shawn Murnin, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities.
Aside from broadcasting, Kocsis will also be the Suns’ new media relations contact.
“I am excited to join the Hagerstown community and staff this season,” Kocsis remarked. “This organization has worked alongside the Washington Nationals to bring quality baseball to this region for over a decade, and I am honored to continue Shawn’s legacy in painting a picture for the fans listening on the web.”
Kocsis joins the Suns after spending the last two seasons in the South Atlantic League with the West Virginia Power. The Cleveland, Ohio native joined West Virginia as a Video Production Intern in 2017 and became the Manager of In-Game Entertainment and Broadcast/Media Relations Assistant for the team in 2018. Prior to that, the Ohio University graduate was the Director of Broadcasting for the Southern Ohio Copperheads of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League in 2014 and 2015. In addition to his work in MiLB and collegiate baseball, Kocsis is the lead broadcaster for OhioVarsity.com and a broadcaster for collegiate football and basketball for the West Virginia Radio Corporation.
“We are very excited to be adding someone of John’s caliber to our team,” Travis Painter, General Manager said. “John has many great skills that he brings to the table and we’re looking forward to see what he does for the team in 2019.”