Mavericks hire Butz as assistant GM

ADELANTO, Calif. -- The High Desert Mavericks have hired assistant general manager Mitch Butz, who will begin working in the front office Mon, Nov. 5, for the Seattle Mariners' affiliate in the Class A Advanced California League.

Butz worked the last five seasons for the Clinton LumberKings, the Mariners' affiliate in the Class A Midwest League. He is making a step up the affiliate ladder in the Mariners organization by joining the Mavericks' front office.

"We are pleased to welcome Mitch Butz to the Mavericks' new front office team," said team owner, Dave Heller. "He has a wealth of experience and success in a comparable Minor League Baseball market, and his passion and skill set will help the Mavericks organization get an exciting new chapter for baseball in the High Desert off to a great start."

Born and raised in Clinton, Iowa, Butz served as the LumberKings' director of operations the last three seasons. He began as an administrative assistant in 2008 and served as director of promotions in 2009 before graduating from Ashford University with a degree in sports and recreation management. With the LumberKings, he gained experience in all areas of the organization, including sales, client relations, promotions and hiring and supervising employees.

"I am honored to be given this opportunity with Main Street Baseball and the Mavericks, and I can't wait to get to know the entire Victor Valley community and Mavericks fans across the High Desert," Butz said. "I can't wait to start, and I know I can utilize the skills I've acquired to bring success to the Mavericks organization."

The Mavericks open the 2013 season at Lancaster on Thu, April 4, and play their home opener at Mavericks Stadium on Thu, April 11, against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Mavericks tickets
Main Street Baseball is bringing its ticket policy -- the most liberal ticket return policy in baseball -- to the High Desert. Beginning next season, any ticket purchased for any game can be exchanged up to one hour prior to game time for similar seats to any future Mavericks game, so long as space is available. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, by calling (760) 246-6287 or at HDMavs.com online. Ticket packages start as low as $55 per seat for 10 games. For more information, please call the Mavericks Front Office at (760) 246-6287 (760-246-MAVS).