We have personnel news to report from the Danville Braves (Rookie; Appalachian League), Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), and the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (summer collegiate; Northwoods League).
In Danville, Brandon Bennett will take over as the Braves General Manager beginning in January.
“I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to continue as both a part of the Braves organization and Danville community and excited for the 2020 season,” said Bennett.
Bennett will serve as the team’s third general manager through 26 years in Danville. In eight years with the club, Bennett has helped the D-Braves become more efficient in concessions and ticket sales and created new avenues for growth on social media and in digital marketing.
“Brandon is ready for the role of general manager and to lead the Danville Braves operations, having spent the past few seasons as assistant general manager combined with his prior experience in sales and operations,” said Chip Moore, executive vice president of Braves minor league operations and special projects.
The Jacksonville, North Carolina native was promoted to the position after serving as the Assistant General Manager with Danville from the 2016 through 2019 seasons. Bennett began his career in sports with the D-Braves working as a sales and operations trainee in 2010 and later served as the Sales and Marketing Manager from 2010-2013.
Bennett has been married to his wife, Hannah, for six years, and they have one son, Newt. Bennett is well involved in the Danville community and serves in several roles at Mount Hermon Baptist Church.
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In Fresno, the Grizzlies have announced the addition of two new employees, while internally promoting six more to their front office in preparation for the 2020 season.
“We are so happy with the newcomers and internal promotions,” said Derek Franks, Grizzlies President. “This group not only works well together but also brings a great philosophy into providing the best experience for fans of all ages here at Chukchansi Park. We’re excited about, for the fifth time in the past ten years, being the Triple-A affiliate of World Series Champions.”
Andrew Milios promoted to Assistant General Manager
Andrew Milios, previously the Vice President of Ticket Sales was promoted to Assistant General Manager. Milios has been with the Grizzlies since 2008 after graduating from Cal State – Monterey Bay with his BA in communications. His proven record for rallying individuals and teams to meet goals will continue into his new role.
Jason Hannold promoted to Vice President, Sales
Jason Hannold will take on new responsibilities in his 10th baseball season and eighth with the Grizzlies. Hannold has been promoted to the Vice President of Sales, overseeing corporate partners and ticketing sales. A Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native and product of Slippery Rock University, Hannold will continue to build up both departments.
Steven Andrade-Torres promoted to Director, Gameday Operations
The new Director of Gameday Operations is Steven Andrade-Torres. In his new role, Andrade-Torres will oversee 150 seasonal employees while being the main on-site supervisor for all events. A graduate of Fresno State, Andrade-Torres started in 2012 and has worked in various roles around the stadium.
Brandon Aurecchione promoted to Director, Ticket Sales
Brandon Aurecchione has been promoted from Inside Sales Manager to the Director of Ticket Sales. Aurecchione will be in charge of the largest full-time department at the Grizzlies while helping with getting people inside Chukchansi Park. A graduate of Fresno State, he will continue to treat his clients as if they were his only customers.
Eric Moreno promoted to Manager, Ticket Office
In his 11th season with the Grizzlies, Eric Moreno has been promoted to Ticket Office Manager. A Fresno State product, Moreno will be a familiar face to patrons who have ticketing needs. In his days away from the box office, Moreno enjoys golfing or catching up with friends from school.
Jazzmine Young promoted to Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Washington State alum Jazzmine Young has been promoted to Corporate Partnership Manager. Young will be responsible for activation of sponsorship entitlements including instillation of signage and coordinating digital marketing. She has been involved with the sports industry since 2014 with time spent in Nebraska and Arizona.
Stephanie Bottorff hired as Group Account Manager
Stephanie Bottorff has been hired as a Groups Account Manager. Bottorff brings an aggressive and enthusiastic personality to the sales team. After time in dental and produce sales, she will bring her knowledge to the Grizzlies. Bottorff has a degree in business management.
Johnny Bravo hired as Corporate Partnerships Coordinator
Finally, Fresno native Johnny Bravo has been hired as the Corporate Partnerships Coordinator. In his new role, Bravo will ensure effective communication with all clients and execution of agreement for the activation team. He received his BA from Fresno State in the fall of 2018.
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In Wisconsin Rapids, the Rafters have announced that Shaemus Kreider is their new Radio Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations.
Kreider, a Traverse City, Michigan native, brings a wide variety of sports broadcasting experience to Central Wisconsin. At Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Kreider is the play-by-play voice of Ball State Field Hockey and a broadcaster on Ball State Sports Link’s coverage of women’s basketball.
For the 2020 season, Kreider will call all 72 Rafters games on AM 1320 WFHR. The broadcast will be simulcast live on Northwoods League TV. Kreider will manage the press box at Historic Witter Field, as well as act as the Rafters travel liaison and media relations coordinator.
“I am very excited to join the Rafters!” Kreider stated. “I can’t wait to connect with the Wisconsin Rapids community over the summer. The Rafters have been a top organization in the Northwoods League for many years. I look forward to getting started and learning from the best.”
During the summer of 2019, Kreider was the broadcasting intern for the Macon Bacon (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). During his time with the Bacon, Kreider produced and broadcasted all home games, as well as wrote all game recaps. This spring, Kreider will be broadcasting baseball games for Ball State Sports Network. Kreider has broadcast many of the Ball State baseball team’s games over the past two seasons.