Upon taking over as General Manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes in September 2003, John Traub has presided over a period of immense team growth and success. The Isotopes continually rank in the top 10 in attendance among all Minor League teams and in just 18 years of existence, the team has drawn over 9 million fans. Under John's stewardship, the Topes and Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park have consistently hosted large events that have had a national scope, including Major League exhibitions, Manny Ramirez's 2009 rehab assignment and the 2011 Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game.
John was named 2007 PCL Executive of the Year and the team was singled out for recognition as well, receiving the John H. Johnson Award as the PCL's best overall franchise. The team also received the prestigious 2007 Bob Freitas Award from Baseball America as the most complete franchise in Triple-A Baseball. John was also presented with the 2007 Ambassador Award by the City of Albuquerque Convention and Visitor's Bureau and currently serves on the board of directors for the New Mexico Bowl.
Under John's leadership, the Isotopes received the 2018 John H. Johnson Award presented annually by Minor League Baseball to recognize the complete baseball franchise-based on franchise stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball in the community, and promotion of the baseball industry. That same season, the inaugural Copa de la Diversión was awarded to the Isotopes for their tremendously successful "Mariachis de Nuevo Mexico" promotion. Minor League Baseball's Hispanic outreach initiative included 33 teams from around the country and the trophy was awarded to the club that was deemed to have done the best job in connecting with their community.
Having spent more than 20 years in the Pacific Coast League, John is the Chairman of the Triple-A Marketing Committee, was formerly chair of the league's Travel Committee and was instrumental in the creation of the Pacific Coast League PR Committee.
Prior to moving to Albuquerque, John spent 11 seasons with the PCL's Calgary Cannons (1992-2002). His titles included Director of Public & Media Relations (1992-96). Vice President of Baseball Operations (1997-1998) and Vice President & General Manager (1998-2002).
John co-authored his first book in 2012, entitled "Baseball ... A Helluva Life" - telling stories of the legendary life of Minor League Baseball executive Dave Rosenfield. The book is available online at Amazon.com.
The Los Angeles native began his career in 1988, serving as a public relations intern for the California Angels, where he remained as an intern for the better part of four seasons. He also worked as a public relations intern for the Los Angeles Dodgers during their 1988 post-season. He is a 1987 graduate of UCLA, earning a BA degree in Psychology. John and his lovely wife Liz have two children (Joe and Sophie) and live in Albuquerque along with their Wire Fox Terrier, Walter.