New Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) owner Ken Babby brings in a familiar face to run the team, naming Jim Pfander general manager of the franchise.
The Akron native served as executive vice president and COO of the Aeros in 2011. Pfander’s efforts that season resulted in the first attendance increase in seven years. Ticket and sponsorship revenue also increased from the previous year under Pfander’s leadership.
Most recently, Pfander spent the 2012 season as the general manager of the Charlotte Stone Crabs (High Class A; Florida State League).
Other stops during his 13-year career include various positions with teams in Charleston, South Carolina, Brockton, Massachusetts, and Spokane, Washington.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Jim back home to Akron and Canal Park,” said Babby. “His experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we enter a new era of Aeros baseball.”
As General Manager of the Aeros, Pfander will oversee all business and promotional aspects of the organization, including sales, ticketing, marketing and community relations.
“The opportunity to return to my hometown and rejoin the Aeros is very exciting,” said Pfander, who is expected to officially begin working with the team on October 22. “I look forward to working with Ken Babby, and the new business team we are assembling, and certainly embrace coming home to the passionate Aeros fans in Akron/Canton and all of Northeast, Ohio. I am also excited to continue to build on our great relationship with the City of Akron and the Indians organization.”
RELATED STORIES: Akron lease approved; Babby buys Aeros; Canal Park lease extension approved for new Aeros owner; Akron looks at ballpark upgrades to keep Aeros; Babby emerging as Aeros owner
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