Parney Named EL Executive of the Year
RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, in conjunction with the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs, are pleased to announce that Vice President & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell has been recognized as the Eastern League Executive of the Year for 2013. It marks the second time that Parney has been honored by the Eastern League, having previously been named Executive of the Year in 2004 while serving as the General Manager of the Altoona Curve. Parney will be presented with the award during the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL, on Monday, December 9th.
2013 marked the Squirrels fourth season in Richmond, and the second time that a franchise executive has been honored with the Executive of the Year award. Chief Executive Manager Chuck Domino was recognized following the franchise's inaugural season in 2010. 2010 and 2013 also stand as the two seasons in which Richmond has claimed the EL's average attendance crown. They led the circuit by welcoming 6,626 fans per opening during a historic introduction to the region in 2010. Under Parney's direction, they shattered that mark, and also their previous franchise mark (6,679 - 2011) in 2013. The Squirrels attendance soared to 6,689 fans per opening during the 2013 season, and despite losing a franchise record six openings, they nearly claimed the league's overall attendance title as well.
This is the second major award for Parney in his role with the Squirrels. Baseball America awarded him their top minor league honor following the 2011 season, naming Parney as the Minor League Executive of the Year.
"These awards are given to individuals, and I am once again honored and humbled to receive it," said Parney. "However, this award serves to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the entire Squirrels organization, including our unrivaled front office, loyal sponsors, and of course our unbelievable fans. I accept this award on their behalf."
Parney, who will begin his landmark 25th season in minor league baseball in 2014, has become one of the most visible figures in the Richmond community. He annually makes hundreds of community appearances, touting community involvement through the team's many philanthropic endeavors.
"Parney and the entire the front office staff in Richmond have done a tremendous job in just a few short seasons of building the Flying Squirrels into one of the model franchises in all of Minor League Baseball," said Eastern League President Joe McEacharn. "Whether it's greeting fans before every game as they enter The Diamond or being out in the community on an almost daily basis for one of his speaking engagements, Parney's tireless energy and enthusiasm have quickly become synonymous with the Flying Squirrels organization."
Parney was the first person on the ground for the Squirrels as they arrived in Richmond in the Fall of 2009. Prior to his arrival in the RVA, he served as the President of the Greenberg Sports Group, General Manager of the Altoona Curve and Vice President & General Manager of the Kannapolis Intimidators. He got his start in minor league baseball alongside Domino with the Reading Phillies. In 1999, while with Kannapolis, he was named the South Atlantic League's General Manager of the Year.
Parney will be available for comment at The Diamond throughout the day on Monday. To schedule an interview, please contact Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations Jon Laaser at [email protected]