Nelson Hire Among R-Phils Staff Changes

(Reading, Pa.)--- The Reading Phillies, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced the hiring of Andrew Nelson as Fundraising Manager and Sales Representative. In separate moves, the team also announced the promotions of Matt Hoffmaster to Director of Group Sales, Mike Robinson to Director of Community Relations, and Anthony Pignetti to Assistant Director of Sales.

Nelson will manage and coordinate the Reading Phillies fundraising programs with local little leagues, churches, and youth groups. He will also field donation requests from non-profit and charitable organizations. 

The Temple University graduate has worked with the franchise during its past two seasons in a full-time internship capacity. During his full-time internships, Nelson gained experience in group sales, concessions, and graphic arts. Most recently, Nelson assumed the duties of Home Clubhouse Manager, which he will continue to carry out in his new full-time position.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Nelly and the Reading Phillies," said Reading General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "We've handed him a variety of tasks in his two years with the R-Phils, including Clubhouse Manager, and he's risen above each task that's been handed to him. He is going to continue the momentum of our extremely successful fundraising programs in Baseballtown."

Prior to working with the Reading Phillies, the Warwick High School graduate worked in the Delaware County Parks and Recreation department while studying for a degree in Sports and Recreation Management at Temple. With the parks department, Nelson helped supervise the summer concert series, arts programs, and other events held throughout the year. 

After Nelson's hiring, an astounding 19 of the 23 front office members were Reading Phillies interns prior to becoming full-time employees.

Hoffmaster will now oversee the group sales department as the Director of Group Outings. Under his new position with the team, Hoffmaster will manage sales efforts for group seating and picnic areas. A Muhlenberg High School and Slippery Rock University graduate, Hoffmaster will begin his ninth season with team heading into the 2013 season.

"In the past three seasons, Matt has done a tremendous job working alongside local organizations and youth sports groups through the fundraising programs," said Hunsicker. "Because of the growth of our community relations under him, we felt that Matt was a great pick to run our newly-focused group department."

Robinson assumes the responsibility of Director of Community Relations and Internships in his 11th season with the team where he will represent the Reading Phillies through mascot and player appearances, speaking engagements, and other community functions. The Reading High and Bloomsburg University graduate will also continue to direct the successful Reading Phillies internship program and its nearly 40 full-time and part-time interns. 

"Mike was a natural fit to be our Director of Community Relations since he has already been a lasting and impressive figure in the Berks County community," said Hunsicker. "Our internship program, which is among the best in professional sports, has also risen to new heights under Mike's tutelage."

Pignetti returns for his fourth season with the team in an elevated capacity as Assistant Director of Sales. In the new position, Pignetti will sell corporate sponsorships and generate marketing opportunities for local businesses at the ballpark. A graduate of Point Park University and native of Rotterdam Junction, N.Y., Pignetti joined the R-Phils staff as a full-time intern in the 2010 season and was promoted to Client Relationship Manager a year later.

"Through the past two seasons, Anthony has created enduring relationships with new business in our market while driving revenue to those respective clients like CJ's Tire and Automotive Services and Customers Bank," said Hunsicker. "His promotion to Assistant Director of Sales comes because of all of his continued success and added responsibility in corporate sales with the team." 

The Reading Phillies and Philadelphia Phillies continue their 47-year affiliation, the longest in minor league baseball, at FirstEnergy Stadium when the team opens up its season on April 12th against the Erie SeaWolves. Season ticket and mini-plans for the 2013 season can be purchased online at RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person by visiting the R-Phils Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.