Allan Benavides Named Ems' New GM

EUGENE, OR - The Eugene Emeralds today announced the hiring of Allan Benavides as their new General Manager. The appointment of Benavides is part of the Emeralds' transition from Civic Stadium to the University of Oregon's P.K. Park and comes after Ems' ownership, Elmore Sports Group, hired the Greenberg Sports Group as a consultant to aid in the move to the new, shared facility.

Benavides joins the Emeralds after five seasons with San Diego Padres' High-A affiliate, Lake Elsinore Storm, where he served three years as Assistant General Manager. His focus in minor league baseball has always been affordable, family entertainment.

Benavides was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz. Benavides started in Hollywood, first as an agent's assistant and then a senior talent manager, before making the jump to minor league baseball.

He will be joined by his wife Caitlin, a second-grade school teacher, and six-year-old son Christian in June.

Benavides takes over the Emeralds after 29 years under the management of former President and General Manager Bob Beban. Beban will remain with the club as Vice Chairman; his primary role will be to serve as the team's ambassador to the community.