NL Gary SouthShore Railcats

RailCats GM Roger Wexelberg Accepts VP Position with North Coast Distributing

Published on October 23, 2006 under Northern League (NL)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release


Gary, Ind. - Gary SouthShore RailCats Vice President & General Manager Roger Wexelberg, who has directed the RailCats franchise since its inception, has accepted the position of Vice President/Personnel Development and Public Affairs with North Coast Distributing of Valparaiso, effective December 1st. He will remain with the RailCats in an advisory role through 2007 and will maintain his active ownership interest in the team indefinitely.

Wexelberg was the RailCats first staff member in 2001 and has overseen the operation ever since. Under his leadership, the RailCats have enjoyed success both on and off the field. RailCats' attendance has increased every season since the opening of U. S. Steel Yard in 2003. The team has posted back-to-back trips to the Northern League Championship Series over the last two seasons and was crowned League Champions in 2005. Additionally, the RailCats were chosen as 2006 Northern League co-Organization of the Year. Wexelberg also coordinated the RailCats administration of the 2005 Northern League All-Star Game at the Steel Yard and was selected as Northern League Executive of the Year in 2005.

"My five years with the RailCats have been very enjoyable and rewarding," said Wexelberg. "I have become friends with many quality people in Northwest Indiana that will always remain important to me. I want to thank the ownership group of the RailCats for the opportunity to help build this franchise from the ground up. I would also like to thank the staff, coaches and players who have been a part of the organization during my time here, providing memories that I will keep forever. The franchise is in great shape, on solid ground and poised for future success. I look forward to enjoying the RailCats with my family from the other side of the turnstile, as an owner and fan, for many years to come."

Wexelberg was chosen in 2001 to lead the RailCats operation by Mike Tatoian, RailCats President.

"Roger has done an outstanding job of developing this franchise," said Tatoian. "He has set the table for us to continue to grow this franchise and provide families and fans of all ages affordable baseball and fun for years to come."

"I have known Roger for over 20 years and from a personal and professional standpoint, I am sorry to see Roger leave us," continued Tatoian. "But our accomplishments under his leadership have been superb, and I am glad that he will remain in an advisory capacity to ensure our continued success and smooth transition to our next General Manager."

In his new position, Wexelberg will be based in Valparaiso and looks forward to increased time with his family, including wife Jodie, son Ryan (9), and daughter Rachael (8).

North Coast Distributing has operated since 1939. North Coast serves the counties of Lake, Porter, Jasper, Starke, Pulaski, Newton and portions of La Porte County, and has recently expanded its operation by purchasing a distributorship in Fort Wayne. Bruce Leetz, President of North Coast Distributing, looks forward to the addition of Wexelberg to the company.

"As a RailCats sponsor for the past four years, I have seen first hand the leadership and management skills that Roger possesses," Leetz said. "We look forward to having the same skills that led to a successful baseball operation as part of the management of our distributorship."

Wexelberg had previously served as the General Manager with three other minor league professional clubs. Tatoian has already begun a national search for an experienced and qualified successor to serve as Vice President/General Manager for the team.

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Northern League Stories from October 23, 2006


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