We have personnel news to report from the Martinsville Mustangs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) and the Johnson City Cardinals (Rookie; Appalachian League).
In Martinsville, the Mustangs have named Ruthanne Duffy their new general manager.
“We are thrilled to have Ruthanne at the helm of the Mustangs and look forward to seeing the impact her passion, experience, and leadership will have on the Mustangs organization and the community of Martinsville-Henry County,” said CPL Director of Operations and Sponsorships Catherine Roth Heddinger.
Duffy, a Craig County, VA native, has strong ties to the Mustangs and Coastal Plain League. She spent the 2018 season as the team’s Assistant General Manager, helping with operations, sales, and community relations. Her husband, Matt Duffy, played two seasons with the Mustangs and spent three summers (2011-13) as head coach in Martinsville.
A graduate of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Duffy played volleyball and received a degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Management in 2010. She has since coached volleyball for the past seven years, previously working as a Career Coach at nearby Patrick Henry Community College. Duffy is currently in her fifth season as head volleyball coach at Ferrum College, where she has been a member of the Ferrum athletic staff since August 2012.
“I can’t imagine coming into a better opportunity by being able to come back to the Martinsville Mustangs for another season and to a community I have been a part of for many years,” said Duffy. “I want to thank Commissioner Justin Sellers, Catherine Roth Heddinger, the Coastal Plain League, and the Martinsville Mustangs for entrusting me with this opportunity. I am excited to get back to work with our season ticket holders, community partners, host families, and fans to continue to offer an organization that the community can be proud of.”
Duffy and her husband reside in Bassett, VA with their son Eli.
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In Johnson City, the Cardinals have named Kat Deal their new Assistant General Manager, effective immediately.
Deal is entering her first year as Assistant General Manager with the Johnson City Cardinals, as it will be her 6th year in baseball overall. Deal has worked with the Bluefield Orioles (Rookie; Appalachian League), and with Roger Dean (Chevrolet) Stadium as their Director of Corporate Sales and Marketing.
“I’m beyond excited and honored to be able to be a part of the Johnson City Cardinals,” added Deal. “My passion has always been in sports, especially baseball. After taking some time away, I’m ready to be back in this great sport and to be a part of such a wonderful team here with Zac, Carter and Brandon.”
Deal attended Bluefield College where she played volleyball and achieved her bachelor’s degree in Sports Marketing with a double minor in Strength and Conditioning and Drug Education. Kat is originally from Tampa, Florida, but lived in Jupiter, Fl until her move to Johnson City.
“I couldn’t be more excited about bringing Kat on board here in Johnson City,” Stated Johnson City Cardinals General Manager, Zac Clark. “Kat’s experience working in baseball and her tireless work ethic will make her a perfect fit here. She is going to set the tone for us this year and I expect her to make a huge impact on our staff from day one!”