Express Announces Personnel Moves
October 23, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release
Round Rock (Texas) â Round Rock Express officials announced today three personnel moves that will affect both the Round Rock Express and the new Corpus Christi franchise. First, J.J. Gottsch has been named President of the Corpus Christi Double-A Texas League franchise. Additionally, former Major League pitcher Ken Schrom will join Gottsch as the new franchise's General Manager. Another former Major League pitcher, Kirk Dressendorfer, will replace Gottsch as the Express' Director of Public Relations.
"All of these people are baseball people," said Express Vice President and General Manager Jay Miller. "They live the game, they love the game and they have a passion for it. We are very excited about what each of them will bring to our organization."
Gottsch has the longest tenure of any Express employee. He served as Assistant General Manager and Director of Media and Public Relations for the Express since the organization was created in 1998. He has also served as director for many of the Express special events including the Express College Classic, the Express Winter Baseball Banquet and the Jim Rome World Tour.
Very active in the community, Gottsch served on the Board of Directors for the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, was chairman for the American Cancer Society's Round Rock "Relay For Life," held annually at The Dell Diamond, and also served on the American Cancer Society's Texas Task Force and Regional Councils. He received the Round Rock Rotary club's "Shining Star" award for outstanding community service in 2001.
"J.J.'s been here longer than anyone," said Express President and CEO Reid Ryan. "He's seen the Express get built from the ground up, and that will be key to the success in Corpus Christi."
After a seven-year major league career, Schrom has spent the last 16 years in El Paso, serving in the front office for the El Paso Diablos, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Schrom played for the Toronto Blue Jays (1980-82), the Minnesota Twins (1983-85) and the Cleveland Indians (1986-87). He was the Twins Pitcher of the Year in 1983, winning 15 games, and earned a spot on the 1986 American League All-Star team with a 10-2 start for the Indians.
Schrom has been the Vice President and Director of Marketing for the Diablos since 1989. The El Paso Diablos were named the Minor League Franchise of the Decade in the 80's, by Baseball America.
"I've known Ken for 20 years," Miller said. "I remember him as a player and have worked with him in the front office setting. He is regarded as one of the best baseball guys in the business and we're very excited to have him on our team. The Schrom family includes Cindy, an elementary teacher, Kayla, a sophomore at Texas Tech, and Jared a junior in High School.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family, to be a part of this venture with the Ryan Organization is very exciting, and are looking forward to our move to Corpus Christi," Schrom said.
Dressendorfer, a 34-year-old native of Houston, is no stranger to baseball fans in Central Texas. He was a three-time All American at the University of Texas, winning 45 games from 1988-90 and was inducted into the Longhorns Hall of Honor in 2002.
After being selected in the first round of the 1990 draft by the Oakland Athletics, Dressendorfer pitched for seven years in the Oakland and Los Angeles minor league systems and reached the Major Leagues with the Athletics in 1991, going 3-3 in seven games.
"Kirk is a local hero," Ryan said. "He's also had a very successful career outside of the game and will bring us a wealth of experience. We're glad to welcome him back to baseball."
Dressendorfer has spent the last 5 ½ years at Dell Computer Corporation, three of those in corporate sales and two as a project manager for a software development group. Active in the community, he coaches his son's t-ball team and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Dressendorfer and his wife Sarah have three children; Jack (5), Josie (3) and David (six months).
"My family and I are extremely excited about the opportunity to join such a first class organization," Dressendorfer said. "Like any organization, it starts with the people and I am going to be joining a talented group of people who take a lot of pride in delivering an outstanding baseball experience to the great fans of Central Texas. I am looking forward to doing all I can to help continue the tremendous success the Express have enjoyed since breaking ground in Round Rock in 1999."
Pacific Coast League Stories from October 23, 2003
- Edmonton Trapper Baseball Club Sold - Edmonton Trappers
- Express Announces Personnel Moves - Round Rock Express
- Express Move One Step Closer to Major League Baseball - Round Rock Express
- Express to Hold Press Conference - Round Rock Express
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