Miracle introduce new president
The 2012 season will mark Gliner's 25th year in professional baseball, 23rd year with the Goldklang Group, and ninth year with the Miracle. Prior to Steve's arrival in Fort Myers, in October 2003, he worked for the Albany-Colonie Yankees from 1988-89, the Charleston Rainbows from 1990-1993 and the Hudson Valley Renegades from 1994-2003, where he was general manager from 1999-2003. The Charleston and Hudson Valley clubs are owned by the Goldklang Group.
In 2008, Steve was named the Florida State League Executive of the Year. Under Steve's leadership, the Miracle have been nominated for league awards seven years in a row, including the John H. Johnson President's Trophy for overall team operations in 2005, 2006 and 2010, and the Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for excellence in team promotions for five years in a row, including 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
"Steve has been a tremendous asset to our organization for over twenty years. He is the model of professionalism and loyalty, and has further helped to establish the Miracle as a first-rate franchise. Andrew has long been preparing for this role, and as he assumes the GM duties from Steve, we anticipate a seamless transition. This is certainly an exciting time for our ball club in Fort Myers," said Marv Goldklang, Miracle chairman and principal owner.
Seymour has been a fixture with the Miracle for nearly 15 years. He began as an intern, and then from 1996-2007 was assistant general manager/promotions director. The Toronto native has also filled the role of general manager of the Vancouver Canadians and vice president with the Grand Prairie AirHogs. He was named the 2009 Northwest League Executive of the Year as the Canadians set an all-time attendance record under his leadership that year.
"I have known Andrew for a long time, and we have worked together for many years. I am pleased to be able to turn over the day-to-day operational responsibilities to him. Andrew has had a major impact on the long-term success of the Miracle, and he is definitely deserving of this opportunity. Along with our entire staff, we will continue to work hard to be a strong community partner, and to provide a high quality fan experience at Hammond Stadium for all of our games and special events," said Gliner, who spent the previous eight years as the Miracle's general manager.
"I am very excited for this opportunity. I can't say enough about the gratitude I have for Steve [Gliner] and the Goldklang Group. We have a fantastic staff here in Fort Myers, and we will continue to be a strong presence in the Southwest Florida community while providing family-fun and affordable entertainment," said Seymour.
The Miracle celebrate their 20th anniversary season beginning on Thursday, April 5, on the road in Port Charlotte against the Stone Crabs. The Miracle home opener is on Friday, April 6, at 7:05 p.m. at Hammond Stadium. For more information, please call the Miracle office at 239-768-4210 or visit www.miraclebaseball.com online.
About the Goldklang Group
The Goldklang Group is a sports entertainment consulting and management firm. The Group provides operational consulting and management services in all areas relating to sports franchise and event acquisition, promotion and operation. The Goldklang Group represents the following organizations: Charleston RiverDogs, Charleston, S.C.; Hudson Valley Renegades, Fishkill, N.Y.; Ft. Myers Miracle, Ft. Myers, Fla.; St. Paul Saints, St. Paul, Minn.