Savannah Sand Gnats Announce Ownership Change
Published on March 20, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH Ga. - Hardball Capital announced today that it is the lead investor in a new ownership group that has reached an agreement to acquire the Savannah Sand Gnats, Class-A South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. The Sand Gnats' ownership will be a partnership between Hardball Capital and a group of local, Savannah-based owners. The purchase is subject to approval by Major and Minor League Baseball and the South Atlantic League.
Hardball Capital is an Atlanta-based group specializing in the ownership and operation of Minor League Baseball franchises. It currently operates the Fort Wayne Wizards, Class-A Midwest League affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and previously owned and operated the Salem Avalanche located in Salem/Roanoke, Va.
Hardball will be partnering with a group of local owners committed to seeing the Sand Gnats flourish and become a significant asset for the Savannah community. Minor and Major League baseball have an extensive vetting process for new owners; Hardball Capital is currently working with its Savannah-based partners to complete the documentation necessary for them to be approved as owners. Once that process has been completed the local owners will be announced.
"We are avid baseball fans, we love Minor League Baseball and are thrilled to become part of its rich tradition in Savannah," said Chris Schoen, Chairman of Hardball Capital. "We look forward to working with our local partners to make the Sand Gnats a great source of entertainment for the citizens of Savannah and a positive force in the community."
Jason Freier, Hardball Capital CEO, added "The combination of our experience operating minor league franchises and our partners' knowledge of the local community should make a great package. Our immediate goal will be to do everything in our power to upgrade the fan experience at Historic Grayson Stadium."
Some exciting changes have taken place since the end of the 2007 season," continued Freier. "The entirely new playing surface and lighting system and the removal of the old bleachers will significantly improve the fan viewing experience and really open up the stadium. Operationally, we will be adding several new concessions items and will look to improve the quality of the concessions items while decreasing the wait time for fans."
Hardball Capital's other partners in the Sand Gnats ownership will be Scott Polhemus and Grant Morain, both of Atlanta-based Backstop Ventures. Polhemus and Morain will be active in the operation of the Sand Gnats.
"We are really looking forward to getting involved in the community and getting to know the fans," Morain said. "Being part of a baseball ownership group is really a dream come true for us."
Polhemus echoed, "we will be spending a lot of time in Savannah, working with our staff, helping to get people out to the ballpark and making sure that they have a great time once they are here."
The current Sand Gnats front office, led by General Manager Bradley Dodson, will continue to run the team's day-to-day operations. "Brad has been great throughout this transaction and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his staff to make 2008 a great season for the Sand Gnats and the baseball fans of Savannah," Polhemus said.
The Sand Gnats' home opener is Friday, April 11 at Historic Grayson Stadium against the Columbus Catfish. Mayor Otis S. Johnson will throw out the first pitch of the season. Great seats are available for the entire four-game series with the Catfish, April 11 through the 14, and can be purchased by calling the Sand Gnats at (912) 351-9150 or on the web at www.sandgnats.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from March 20, 2008
- Savannah Sand Gnats Announce Ownership Change - Savannah Sand Gnats
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