We have personnel news to report from the Stockton Ports (High A; California League) and the North Shore Navigators (summer collegiate; Futures Collegiate Baseball League).
In Stockton, the Ports have hired Alec Henden as their new Media Relations Manager.
Henden’s a graduate from Arizona State University with a degree in sports journalism. He most recently worked for the Orleans Firebirds (summer collegiate; Cape Cod Baseball League) as the team’s journalist and wrote for SB Nation’s House of Sparky covering Arizona State athletics.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Ports organization,” Henden said. “I can’t thank Pat Filippone enough for the opportunity and I look forward to a successful season headlined by the California League All-Star Game June 23 at Banner Island Ballpark.”
“I’m excited to have Alec join the Ports organization,” Team President Pat Filippone said. “His background in baseball and as a sports writer make him a welcome addition to our team.”
Henden’s passion for baseball and sports media was formed early in his life and honed during his time in school and on Cape Cod.
“As I begin this new journey I’d like to thank my friends and family who’ve helped me along the way, and I can’t wait to forge strong relationships with local media and team personnel in the Stockton area.”
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The Navigators have announced a few staffing appointment, including the hiring of Chris Holey as their new Director of Sales.
Holey will be responsible for sponsorships, advertising and group sales.
“Chris combines a solid sales background with a desire to be successful,” said Navigators Executive Vice President Jeff January. “He is a former athlete and brings a competitive drive to the Navs sales force. We expect Chris to take our sponsorship, promotions and advertising efforts to new heights.”
In addition to working for his hometown baseball team, Holey currently serves as an assistant manager at Beverly Municipal Federal Credit Union. He has increased loans by 14 percent and total assets by 13 percent, streamlined the collections process, implemented new technologies and improved both member and employee satisfaction while working in that role since 2017.
Holey is a graduate of Salem State University and Lynn English High School who grew up playing baseball for Wyoma Little League and Lynn Babe Ruth. He taught math at his high school alma mater for four years after completing his business management degree from Salem State in 2013 and also coached football (2011-13 and 2016-18) and track (2012-14) for the Bulldogs.
“I am very excited for this opportunity with the Navigators,” Holey said. “I have been involved in athletics in the City of Lynn for years as both a player and coach, so to have the opportunity to continue that involvement means a lot.”
President and General Manager Derek January also announced that Gus Baylow and Joshua Kummins will return to the Fraser Field press box for their third season with the Navigators in 2020.
The Navigators’ popular public address announcer, Baylow is a senior at St. John’s Prep and announces numerous sports at the Danvers school including football, basketball and baseball. He is the public address voice for Eagles teams and also provides play-by-play commentary on selected live streaming broadcasts. An announcer since he was eight years old, Baylow has also lent his booming voice to various athletic events in his hometown of Marblehead.
As Director of Media Relations, Kummins is responsible for writing and distributing press releases, game recaps and other written content via the Navigators’ website and local media outlets, helps maintain the team’s social media channels and serves as the primary communications contact. Kummins, who also writes for New England Baseball Journal, will aid the Futures Collegiate Baseball League as a whole in a similar role this year.
“The Navs are incredibly lucky to have Gus and Josh back for another season in our press box,” Derek January said. “They were two of the first employees we wanted to make sure to lock up for the 2020 season.
“Gus’ infectious voice and desire to get it right are an unmatched combination at his age. He has a big-time future in broadcasting and we’ll all be watching him one day at the major league level. Josh is a tireless worker, an incredibly talented writer and a true perfectionist who always goes the extra mile.”