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GM heads from B-Mets to Pelicans

Front-office veteran moves to Myrtle Beach
February 11, 2010
After nearly 15 seasons with the Binghamton Mets, Scott Brown is headed to a decidedly warmer climate.

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans announced today that Brown has been hired as the new general manager of the Class A Advanced franchise, which began play in 1999. The veteran of over three decades in professional baseball replaces North Johnson, who in January was hired as the as GM of the International League's Gwinnett Braves.

"Scott's wealth of experience as an operator, and measured success in building strong community and corporate partnerships is the perfect complement to our already talented, creative and fan-friendly front office staff," said Pelicans chairman and managing partner Chuck Greenberg in a press release.

Reached by phone Thursday afternoon, Brown waxed enthusiastic about the next stage of his career.

"This is a big thrill and a fantastic challenge, to be able to work in one of the greatest entertainment meccas on the East Coast," said Brown, who assumed the B-Mets general manager role in 2005 after eight seasons as assistant GM. "It's a real honor to follow North, who I've known for years. The team has a great reputation and the momentum just keeps building. My goal is to go down there, keep the ball rolling, and have myself and the staff all come out looking like heroes."

The Pelicans' location is both a blessing a curse, as the team must market itself to a transient population with an abundance of other entertainment options to choose from.

"I've worked in [Port St. Lucie] Florida, and I became familiar with the snowbird effect there," said Brown. "But even with the constant changeover, I'm happy to work in an area that welcomes 14 million tourists annually. If you're in Myrtle Beach for the week and looking to be entertained, then I think a Pelicans game is going to be one of your best options."

But for now, Brown is concentrating on tying up his loose ends in Binghamton.

"This all happened at warp speed, and the last thing you want to do is leave the incumbent club in the lurch," said Brown, who is married with four daughters. "It's tough to leave, because we had a lot of ties to this great community."

Brown is scheduled to leave Binghamton in early March, but the sting of his departure is considerably lessened by the fact that the team has an able replacement. Jim Weed, who has spent the past five seasons as assistant GM, will assume Brown's position.

Regardless, the front-office shake-up will make what is already a busy time of year even busier.

"Things are crazy enough right before Opening Day as it is," said Brown. "Who needs sleep?"

Benjamin Hill is a reporter for MLB.com.