GM Robertson Named One of Top 25 Most Influential People in Wichita Sports
June 18, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (June 18, 2014) - Wichita Wingnuts' President and General Manager Josh Robertson has been involved in the game of baseball his whole life and has received many honors both on and off the field. His name has become synonymous with professional baseball in the city of Wichita and as a result he was named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in Wichita Sports by the Wichita sports Hall of Fame and KGSO Sports Talk Radio.
"Josh's family upbringing has played a large role in his success throughout his career. He loves the game of baseball and always displays honesty, integrity, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time," said Steve Ruud, one of three owners of the team. "He deserves this award because he loves the city of Wichita immeasurably. We are sure glad to have him working for us."
Robertson, one of four brothers who each serve a different role in the organization, began his successful journey within America's pastime at Maize High School. The 1993 graduate earned All-State honors before heading to Allen County Community College to play at the next level. The catcher eventually made his way to Wichita's own Friends University, where he became an NAIA First-Team All-American, Triple Crown Winner, and National Player of The Year Finalist. Injuries would eventually cause Robertson to hang up the spikes and move into a coaching role.
He spent a couple of years directing the Trinity Academy varsity squad before moving to Wichita Collegiate School in an assistant role. During his six years with the Spartans, Robertson's teams won back-to-back state championships and made it to the state tournament three straight years. During the summer he was also the coach of the Wichita Twins, now known as the Derby Twins, leading them to three different NBC World Series appearances.
Following Robertson's coaching stint; he found his way to Kansas City, where he was employed by Recreational Technologies as a Team Representative for the Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox. After a year in KC, he moved back to Wichita to marry the love of his life, Monica, and made his first voyage to the front office, a place he has not departed from in 15 years. He spent eight years with the Wichita Wranglers,the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, and is now in his seventh season with the Wingnuts.
"Josh is one of the most passionate baseball people I have ever been around and it shows in his dedication to the team, fans, and Wichita baseball", owner Gary Austerman explained. "I know that I speak for all the members of the Wichita Wingnuts ownership when I say we are very lucky to have him as our General Manager. He really gets the job done."
A general manager, by definition, is supposed to oversee all facets of an organization from sales, to marketing, to the coaches and players on the field. Robertson's path through the front office of the Wranglers, and now the Wingnuts, has allowed him to become familiar with all aspects of running a baseball team. He began as the Wranglers' and National Baseball Congress World Series' Operations Manager in December of the year 2000. After a pair of seasons in that role he became the Baseball and Stadiums Operation Manager. He continued to climb the organizational ladder, advancing to the position of Assistant General Manager and eventually becoming co-General Manager before the franchise departed town.
Steve Shaad, Robertson's former boss with the Wranglers, credited his old employee's work ethic and pedigree. "Josh is a terrifically hard worker that will do everything and literally has done everything at the ballpark. Clearly the family upbringing he had, with baseball engrained in his life, has played a role in that. I initially hired him as groundskeeper and he just kept moving up the ranks in no time at all."
Robertson took over as President and General Manager of the Wingnuts prior to their first season in 2008 and is the only individual to hold that role. He is also the President and GM of the NBC World Series. With Robertson at the helm, Wichita has reached the American Association's Championship Series in each of the past two seasons and has won four division titles.
Wingnuts' owner Nate Robertson, who is Josh's younger brother, knows that his sibling takes pride in both the team and the city. "Growing up together I have had a chance to be around Josh my whole life. For him to be recognized as one of the most influential Wichitans in sports comes as no surprise to me", the former Major Leaguer explained. "He is extremely dedicated and the amount of time and passion he puts into the job is immeasurable. Josh takes pride in his hometown and makes it a priority of his to ensure that the organization is run in the best way possible and offers a great experience to fans in the city."
The Wichita Sports Hall of Fame and KGSO honor the most influential sports-related people in the city every five years. Robertson was ranked 21st in the 2014 edition of the awards. Paul Savage, who operates the hall, had high praise for Robertson. "As the GM of the Wichita Wingnuts' professional baseball team, Josh's importance to the city's sports scene includes not only the high-quality product on the field, but a large, positive, economicimpact on Wichita and the quality of life of its' residents," said Savage.
The 39-year old also received a similar honor in 2009, when he was named one of the Top 40 Most Influential People in Wichita Sports by the same committee.
For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com .
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