Whitney Campbell departs Fresno for Oakland A's
FRESNO, Calif. - Sometimes, we lose front office employees to call-ups too. The rare "recalled from Triple-A Fresno" in January is thanks to now former Grizzlies Director of Community Engagement Whitney Campbell, who has accepted a new position in the front office of the Oakland Athletics, helping to run their
FRESNO, Calif. - Sometimes, we lose front office employees to call-ups too. The rare "recalled from Triple-A Fresno" in January is thanks to now former Grizzlies Director of Community Engagement Whitney Campbell, who has accepted a new position in the front office of the Oakland Athletics, helping to run their community affairs department.
Campbell, who had been at her post in Fresno since the 2012 season, will make her Major League debut with Oakland. Prior to Fresno she worked for the Quad City River Bandits (Class A, Midwest League), and the Casper Ghosts (Rookie, Pioneer League).
"As a place that prides itself on being able to see the next generation of on-field MLB superstars up close, if fills us with even more pride when one of our own in the front office is 'called up' to make a difference in the big leagues," said Fresno Grizzlies President Derek Franks. "Whitney's tireless efforts to transform our community relations, from Junior Grizzlies to Wild About Reading cannot be overstated. The A's made a great decision, and I'm sure she'll be as loved in Oakland as she was in Fresno."
Under Campbell's watch, the Junior Grizzlies baseball program created myriad opportunities for young players with disabilities, at the "Field of Dreams" facility in Clovis, CA, becoming the best program of its kind in the Central Valley. Wild About Reading, the Grizzlies' pre-season reading program, reached the one million students milestone in the winter of 2017, accounting for incalculable hours spent reading outside of normal school curriculum by area elementary school students.
Campbell is also responsible for the continued success of the Grizzlies' annual Hot Stove banquet, honoring the best in local high school baseball and softball players, while raising funds for the numerous charities and causes aligned with the Fresno Grizzlies. Her work on the Grizzlies' famous specialty jersey silent auctions also made a significant impact on area medical charities.
"My seven seasons in 'Growlifornia' created a lifetime's worth of memories and cherished relationships," said Campbell. "While it's hard to believe it's coming to an end, I'm very glad to be staying nearby, while getting my first opportunity in Major League Baseball. Thank you Fresno!"
The Grizzlies will begin the 2019 at home at Chukchansi Park, on April 4 against the Reno Aces. The Athletics begin their 2019 campaign at home as well, on March 28 against the Angels.