RubberDucks GM Jim Pfander Named EL Executive of the Year
September 28, 2016 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Akron, OH- The Eastern League announced today that Akron RubberDucks General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Jim Pfander has been named its 2016 Eastern League Executive of the Year.
In 2016, Akron hosted the 2016 Eastern League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby for the first time, saw an increase of more than 10,000 in attendance, and the team won its fifth Eastern League championship.
"It is truly a staff award," said Pfander. "We, as a staff, accomplished some amazing things in 2016 and this award would not be possible without the hard working team we have in place in the Akron front office."
Under Pfander's leadership, this season the RubberDucks were nominated by the Eastern League for the Minor League Baseball's top award, the John H. Johnson President's Award, which goes to the most "complete" baseball franchise that has demonstrated franchise stability while making significant contributions to its community, its league and to the baseball industry.
RubberDucks owner Ken Babby, who made Pfander his first hire after he acquired the franchise in October 2012, said, " Jim's remarkable creativity and passion for Minor League Baseball, coupled with the love of his hometown of Akron, makes this recognition even more special.'
"Simply put, Jim is the finest executive in our industry and I am honored to have him as a partner leading our organization. On behalf of all of us with the RubberDucks, we are overjoyed by this incredibly well-deserved honor."
Pfander will be presented with the award at the Baseball Winter Meetings in National Harbor, Maryland, during the Opening Session on December 5.
For more information, please see the official Eastern League release, which was sent out with this release and is posted on www.easternleague.com.
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Eastern League Stories from September 28, 2016
- Fightins Nominated for Two Minor League Awards - Reading Fightin Phils
- Sea Dogs Announce 2017 Schedule - Portland Sea Dogs
- RubberDucks GM Jim Pfander Named EL Executive of the Year - Akron RubberDucks
- Baysox Nominated for Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award - Bowie Baysox
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