Savannah Sand Gnats Team President R.C. Reuteman has resigned. The minor-league baseball veteran executive was hired in January to fill the newly-created position with the team.
Sand Gnats General Manager Brad Dotson told me today that Reuteman has resigned "..due to health and personal reasons."
Jason Freier, CEO of Hardball Capital confirmed the resignation. The team will not immediately fill the position. Reuteman was considered "..a hire of opportunity." according to Freier.
The following information was provided in the Sand Gnats press release on January 7, 2009 when Reuteman was introduced to the media:
The Sand Gnats are also pleased to announce that R.C. Reuteman will be joining the team in the newly created role of Team President. With over 37 years devoted to baseball, Reuteman brings to the Sand Gnats a wealth of experience and a tremendous track record of success, having twice been honored as Minor League Baseball’s Executive of the Year.
“I am excited to be coming to Savannah and joining the Sand Gnats,” Reuteman said. “I see enormous potential in this franchise—this is a fantastic area in which to live and a great region for baseball. I look forward to building upon the gains that were made last year and finding ways to further enhance the fan experience, provide fun, family-friendly entertainment and ensure the Sand Gnats are a strong partner in the community.”
“We are proud that, in our first year at the helm, the Sand Gnats saw an attendance increase of over 15 percent and that we received great feedback from our fans with regard to the improved food and beverage offerings and emphasis on customer service,” said Freier. “We are confident that R.C.’s experience will help us take the Sand Gnats to the next level.”
The Sand Gnats will not be Reuteman’s first experience in the New York Mets farm system. He spent seven years as Assistant General Manager of the Mets Triple-A team in Tidewater (Norfolk, Va.) from 1984 through 1991, served as the Vice-President and General Manager of the Mets Double-A franchise in Binghamton, N.Y. from 1991 through 2000 and was chosen to lead the launch of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets’ record-setting New York Penn League affiliate.
During his time at the helm in Binghamton, the Binghamton Mets drew a franchise-record 284,529 fans. His time in Brooklyn was even more successful—in his inaugural season of 2001 the team averaged more than 8,300 fans per game in a park with a listed capacity of 7,500.
In each of his two final seasons with the Cyclones, the team sold out its entire season before opening day.
For his service to the Mets, Reuteman was twice awarded the J. Frank Cashen award as the member of the Mets’ organization who best exemplifies total commitment to establishing an outstanding Minor League Operation.
A lifelong lover of baseball, Reuteman began his career in baseball working as a bat boy for his home town Milwaukee Brewers, then as an Equipment Manager for the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants prior to moving into the front office.
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