Pippins Promote McKimmy to Assistant GM, Complete Front-Office Staff
November 4, 2015 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash. - Marcus McKimmy, the Yakima Valley Pippins' field manager for the team's first two seasons, will take on expanded duties this season as assistant general manager and director of baseball operations, general manager Jeff Garretson announced today.
"Marcus has been a tremendous asset and a major reason for the Pippins' success in the first two seasons," Garretson said. "And in just a short time, he's already proving himself to be a success on the business side of the organization."
McKimmy's promotion completes the Pippins front-office staff. In September, Andy Jones joined the team as ticket sales and service manager, and retail summer intern Ashley Steffens was hired as retail and office manager in a part-time capacity.
"This is an exciting group of people to work with," Garretson said. "We have groups booking dates with us now for nights at the ballpark next summer, and have already had record-setting off-season renewals for season-ticket holders. That's directly attributed to the work that Andy, Marcus and Ashley have already been doing."
In his first two seasons, McKimmy has put winning teams on the field. The Pippins became the first West Coast League expansion team to with a division title in 2014 when they won the East Division with a 35-19 record. Coupled with a 29-25 record in 2015, the Pippins are the winningest of the six WCL expansion teams in their first two seasons of play.
"As a head coach, I've always tried to organize a staff of coaches and players that are highly intelligent, blue-collar, and have great personal character," McKimmy said. "When the opportunity presented itself to join a team in the front office that also shares those beliefs and characteristics, it was a "no-brainer.'
"The Pippins organization from day one has proven to have exceptional leadership from the top down, and I couldn't be more pleased to take on a more expanded role in the off-season and in the community." Team president Zachary Fraser echoed Garretson's comments.
"I've worked with Marcus for the past two and a half years, and in that time he has become a great representative of Pippins baseball and Pacific Baseball Ventures in the Valley, as well as a close friend," Fraser said.
"He is loyal and trustworthy - two characteristics that I value the most for our teams. I am excited to have him and Jeff strengthening the foundation that we've built the last two years, and to work alongside both of them in a full-time capacity to make this team great. He is a fantastic baseball and community mind."
The Pippins' 2016 league schedule was released Oct. 27. Season ticket packages are currently on sale by calling 509-575-4487 or by visiting Hunky Shaw's Team Shop at 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima.
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