Pigs to the Bigs – Staff Edition

It’s been 5 seasons now. We’ve gotten to know the IronPig players. We’ve seen them come and go both up and down and out. We cheered them on as Phillies and even cheered for our favorites if they got an opportunity with another big league team. Over 5 years there are other faces we’ve seen come and go. Folks that we refer to as our summer family, the hardworking folks behind the scenes.

Granted, each year brings along a fresh batch of IronPig interns… but we do have some IronPig staffers who have been around for the long haul.

We honor them here and now.

First off, The Horn & Bell would like to recognize the management team. Well known and publicized throughout minor league baseball team President Chuck Domino and General Manager Kurt Landes, and Howard Scharf have created a baseball empire in the Lehigh Valley. Their accomplishments are well-known so I will keep this brief.

As for who takes care of the finances you will normally find them in a pair. Deb Landes and Michelle Perl are usually found at Coca Cola Park not far from each other and quick with a smile and wave.

Following up the finances we have the Marketing team veterans Ron Rushe and Lindsey Knupp. While most IronPig fans will recognize Lindsey for her on field work she also hosts a swarm of responsibilities to keep the ball park experience fresh and new while retaining the classic ballpark experience. Not as direct but just as visible is Ron Rushe. Working hard behind the scenes and helping the fans get those cherished game day give aways. Next time you see him… thank him for that bobblehead.

The marketing team would not be complete without mentioning Morris Morioka. Even though he joined the team recently, Morris was here in 2009 and intermittently throughout the next few seasons inspiring new ideas for the IronPig fans. Coca Cola Park would not be the same without him.

Tickets! Get your Tickets! These folks selling tickets have the busiest jobs in minor league baseball! Scott Evans, Amy Shoch, Don Wilson and Brad Ludwig are still leading the charge for IronPig ticket sales. The demand for the highly prized IronPig tickets is high and these folks give the fans what they want. Even more so as in the last two years the IronPigs have added several new seating areas to accommodate additional fans to include the Tiki area and the 2013 premiere of the Bacon Strip and Hot corner!

Whoever has visited Coca Cola Park, has heard about the IronPigs or just passed through for a game knows how loved the IronPigs are. Community Relations Director Sarah Marten is largely responsible for that. The Hackers and Homers golf tournament, the Phillies Banquet, the Miracle League support and the hundreds of thousands of dollars that IronPig’s Charities distributes to the community are just small examples of what Sarah brings to this team and our community. Just yesterday two separate people spoke of how great and generous Sarah was in helping with their charity event. More communities need people like Sarah Marten.

That brings us to Food and Concessions. Sadly, we saw our old friend Jan Giejda depart recently. Farewell old friend. Happily we still have Mary Nixon, Nick Wootsick and Brock Hartranft to keep providing us with those game day treats we so look forward to.

Another departure was that of Head Groundskeeper Bill Butler. While the details of where Bill went and according the ‘Pigs website, Ryan Hills is new Director of Field Operations. As I’ve heard Ryan was one of Bills first members of Bill’s staff in 2008.  Fear not, though, we still have Jason “Diesel” Kiesel on staff having been with the Pigs staff also since 2008!

Lest we forget Adam Fondl the Merchandise Director. Adam is always quick to answer your merch questions and just recently provided to one of our readers a very in-depth, professional response to a sizing question.

An IronPig experience wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our good friend Pat Golden. Pat’s welcoming smile make every day a little brighter. A great memory of Pat was following the AAA All Star game. Two employees of the Rochester Red Wings staff became stranded with car trouble and Pat stayed late to make sure they got on their way safely. Going the extra mile is the standard for her.

Saving the Best for last, the IronPig’s broadcast team of Matt Provence and Jon Schaeffer have long been supporters of the Noise Nation! Using stats, interesting facts and trivia these guys have pulled together an IronPig legion of fans craving more. Matt and Jon make those road trip days much easier to get through.

While that’s all the “old timers” of the organization, we’d like to recognize IronPig Employees who’ve “Moved on to the Bigs!” While you can say only a few have moved to Major League Baseball, I see these folks pursuing their dream and having gotten a boost from their time in the IronPig’s organization. The IronPig’s have quickly solidified themselves as one of the top minor league teams to gain experience and learn how a successful front office operates. The list below is not all-inclusive (my memory gets worse every day) but that I am able to compile this lengthy list shows how the IronPigs are impacting baseball franchises across the country.

– Tommy Viola (Tommy the V) now Media Director for the Charlotte Knights

– Matt Zidik (The guy who ran the scoreboard and music) now (as seen on LinkedIn.com) is the Manager of in-game entertainment for the Pittsburgh Pirates

– Tyler de Rouen (Tyler completed most of the graphics we enjoy throughout the game. He did excellent work. Via LinkedIn he is the Graphic Designer at Turn5, Inc.| AmericanMuscle.Com.

– Christa Linzey (Ironpigs 2008) since then Marketing for the Phillies

– Robbie Aaron (Radio intern) now with Daytona Cubs known for an ejection for playing “3 blind mice” in the stadium following a bad call.

– Tim Doohan – Rochester (AAA) Director of Media Relations

– Alex Cohen – Hunstville (AA) radio voice (#1)

– Mike Ventola – Southern Illinois (Ind) radio voice (#2)

– Tim Murray ’09 – Frederick (A) radio (#2) and full-time media

– Brandon Greene – Richmond (AA) Group Sales Director

– Danny Tetzlaff – Yakima (R) Assistant GM/Consultant

– Ryan Contento – Reading (AA) Client Relationship Manager

– Matt Millward – Charlotte (AAA) Director of Ticket Operations

– Elyse Holben – Richmond (AAA) Suites & Group Executive

– Steve Pump – Richmond (AAA) Director of Stadium Operations

– Steve Ruckman – Richmond (AAA) Director of Field Operations

We will certainly miss all of our friends and family that have moved on to follow their dreams and wish them much success in all their future endeavors and perhaps one day we may even see a few of them return.

We

OinK! Screech! Roll on!