STATE COLLEGE- The State College Spikes today announced a series of promotions among the club’s front office staff, effective immediately.
Senior Vice President and General Manager Jason Dambach has accepted a new position within Chairman and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg’s family of Minor League Baseball franchises (Greenberg Sports Group) as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Frisco (TX) RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Dambach, who has led the Spikes’ day-to-day activities since 2009, will maintain oversight of State College’s business operations in his new role as team President.
Scott Walker has been named the new General Manager of the Spikes. The 30-year old previously served as Vice President of Sales and has been part of the team’s front office staff since 2009. Dan Petrazzolo, the club’s Senior Director of Ballpark Operations, has also been promoted to Assistant General Manager of Operations.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the level of talent that exists among our Spikes front office staff and I’m proud of Jason, Scott and Dan as they take on their larger roles within the organization,” said Greenberg. “Maintaining the continuity of our staff is a vital component of our business and our customer-focused approach. Even though Jason’s day-to-day responsibilities will be in Frisco starting immediately, we both felt it was essential for him to continue his involvement in directing the Spikes so that we remain consistent with our core philosophies.”
“Scott Walker was the perfect choice to assume the role of General Manager,” added Greenberg. “Scott has grown up in our organization and has been a key leader and contributor to the success of the Spikes. His added leadership duties along with the larger role taken on by Dan in the areas of ballpark and baseball operations will ensure a smooth evolution in the day-to-day management of the club.”
The 38-year old Dambach has spent his entire 16-year professional baseball career in Central Pennsylvania, first with the Double-A Altoona Curve from 1999 to 2008 in various broadcasting and communications roles, and the past six seasons leading the Spikes.
“This is a bittersweet move for me, but one that excites me and provides a tremendous opportunity to bring my skills and focus to an already-successful franchise in a vibrant area of the country,” said Dambach. “Even though the majority of my day-to-day responsibilities will be focused on my new position in Texas, I’m thrilled to continue working with Scott, Dan and our entire Spikes’ front office staff in the role of President.”
Walker, a graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and Lock Haven University, becomes the third General Manager in the ten-year history of the Spikes. He has led the club’s sales efforts since 2011, after previously holding the titles of Ticket Account Executive and Director of Ticket Sales. Like Dambach, he has grown within the Greenberg Sports Group family, starting as Box Office Intern in Altoona during the 2007 season.
“Chuck and Jason have been tremendous mentors during my career with the organization and it is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as Spikes’ General Manager,” said Walker. “These moves ensure that the direction and values of our franchise remain consistent and our focus on building relationships and serving our community is uninterrupted.”
The Spikes, the Class-A Short-Season affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals and the defending New York-Penn League champions, will celebrate the franchise’s tenth season in 2015. Opening Day at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park will take place on Friday, June 19, and the club will host 38 nights of fun, affordable family entertainment and future Major League Baseball stars through September 6.
Season tickets, Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2015 season are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options, as well as team news and schedule info, can be viewed at www.statecollegespikes.com.