JetHawks General Manager Derek Sharp Named California League Executive of the Year
(LANCASTER, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks, class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are proud to announce that General Manager Derek Sharp has been named California League Executive of the Year. The announcement was made earlier this week by the League office.
The JetHawks organization experienced tremendous growth in 2013 as Sharp oversaw the team's increase of overall gross revenues by 23% versus 2012, including record revenues for its concessions business, a result of the largest in-park attendance in 11 seasons.
"I am excited and humbled to receive such a prestigious award", Sharp said. "I am privileged to be part of such an excellent and hard-working staff which makes this a true team award and recognizes the great results we were able to accomplish this year."
Additionally, the JetHawks expanded its community initiates throughout the Antelope Valley in 2013, including: Growth of the annual pre-season Autism Awareness Walk, which raised $15,000; The annual Laps 4 Literacy event which has donated more than 20,000 books to local families over the last three years, The expansion of the JetHawks Reading and Attendance Challenge which involved over 20,000 local elementary school students, and the team's expanded involvement in Youth Sports Leagues which now includes ten leagues over a 100-mile territory.
Cal League President, Charlie Blaney, stated: "The winners of these prestigious League Awards were voted by their peers in the league, and they have all been submitted as the Cal League's Nominees for National Honors to be awarded at Baseball's Winter Meetings in December. The Cal League is very proud of our winners."
The 2013 season marked Sharp's sixth season with the JetHawks and his 14th season working in Minor League Baseball. The Piqua, OH native began his career working for the Hudson Valley Renegades (NY-Penn League) for six seasons before becoming the General Manager of the Batavia Muckdogs (NY-Penn League) prior to joining Lancaster in 2008.
The JetHawks open the 2014 California League season on April 3 at The Hangar against the Lake Elsinore Storm. Season ticket and mini plan packages are currently on sale and may be ordered by calling the JetHawks at 661.726.5400. For more information, please visit www.JetHawks.com.