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High Desert Mavericks Announce Executive Management Changes

February 2, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
High Desert Mavericks News Release


ADELANTO, CA -The High Desert Mavericks announced they have named Ben Hemmen the New General manager of the California League club and promoted Ryan Cook to Vice President. In a press conference with team owner Dave Heller and Cal League President Charlie Blaney on Monday afternoon at Heritage Field, the Mavericks announced a change to their executive management. Hemmen has worked the past seven years in minor league baseball serving previously as the Assistant General Manager with the Bowling Green (Ky.) Hot Rods, Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, of the South Atlantic League and the Director of Marketing and Promotions with the Omaha (Ne.) Storm Chasers, Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, of the Pacific Coast League.

"Ben Hemmen is a rising star in minor league baseball," said Mavericks owner Dave Heller. "He has a strong commitment to customer service, a love for baseball, and a genuine understanding of how we can build on the great work Ryan Cook has done to make Heritage Field a great place for families to spend quality time together and have a lot of fun all summer long. Working together, I am sure they will return Mavericks baseball to its glory days of the early 1990s."

Hemmen has earned a reputation as one of the most energetic people in pro baseball. As Assistant General Manager, he focused on the fan experience at Bowling Green Ballpark and engaging the community with Hot Rods baseball. Ben assisted General Manager/COO Adam Nuse in developing the organizational business plan and assisting in a variety of areas including partner/vendor relationships, marketing, promotions, community relations, creative services, media relations and ballpark operations.

Ben joined the Storm Chasers as an intern in 2009, but was elevated to Promotions Manager before the end of the year. In 2012, Hemmen was named the Director of Marketing and Promotions. While still promoting the team, he also served as the face of the team as the on-field emcee, managed the promotional team, oversaw all in-game entertainment, coordinated team marketing, monitored the Chasers social media sites, ventured out in the community often for public appearances and speaking engagements, and even sold corporate advertising, groups, and season ticket packages.

"I want to thank Dave Heller and Jim Coufos for the opportunity to join a first-rate organization," Ben Hemmen new General Manager said. "Mavericks baseball is all about the people of the High Desert, and I look forward to living in -- and becoming thoroughly immersed in -- this great community."

As Vice President, Ryan Cook returns for his second season with the Mavericks looking to build on the success of last season. Cook brings with him more than a decade of pro sports experience to the California League club, including stints with the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and Sacramento Kings. With both the Hornets and the Clippers, Cook set new records for monthly revenues for ticket sales and new business development. Cook also has pro baseball experience, having worked for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Both Ben Hemmen, who can be reached at ben@hdmavs.com and Ryan Cook who can be reached at rcook@hdmavs.com, are excited to be working together in support of the High Desert. Opening Day for High Desert Mavericks baseball is Thursday, April 16th!

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