Timber Rattlers front office adds awards to postseason haul

GRAND CHUTE, WI - Two days ago the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers won the Midwest League Championship on the field.  On Tuesday, the Timber Rattlers were named the winners of the Midwest League's Larry MacPhail Award for 2012.  The league also named Timber Rattlers President and General Manager Rob Zerjav as the Midwest League's Executive of the Year.

The Midwest League's Larry MacPhail Award is presented to the team that demonstrated outstanding and creative marketing and promotional efforts within its community, its ballpark (including non-game day events), and in media and promotional materials.  By winning the Midwest League award, Wisconsin is up for the National Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy.  The Rattlers are competing with winners from other minor leagues and the national winner will be named at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have made Time Warner Cable Field one of the most family friendly destinations in all of Wisconsin by bringing affordable and fun entertain­ment to its front gates. During their 18th season, the club demonstrated exceptional and creative promotional and marketing efforts within its community and at the ballpark

"I am extremely proud of the job our staff has done this season to create fun and meaningful promotions to entertain our fan base," said Zerjav.  "We all take a lot of pride in being an impactful member of our community and with every promotion the Timber Rattlers try to tie it back in some way to a local charity.  The Timber Rattlers organization is honored to receive this prestigious Midwest League award."

Zerjav was also recognized as the Midwest League Executive of the Year for the 2012 season.  The award is voted on by the teams in the Midwest League and presented to the individual who has had a successful season in the areas of leadership, concessions, general park operations, ticket sales, community involvement and overall baseball operations. 

The Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin native started with the Timber Rattlers as an intern in 1997.  He worked his way up through the front office and was named President and General Manager in 2003.  He has shepherded the organization through stadium expansions, a naming rights agreement for Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium, an affiliation change to the Milwaukee Brewers, and a major stadium renovation that is currently taking place and scheduled to be completed for the 2013 season.

"This has been a magical season for the Timber Rattlers organization and to receive this award on top of winning the Midwest League Championship is truly humbling," said Zerjav.  "Our entire staff is top notch and I couldn't receive this award without all of their help and support."

This is the second time Zerjav has been named Midwest League Executive of the Year.  He also won the award in 2007.

Wisconsin is already preparing for next season.  The 2012 Midwest League champions will open on the road on Thursday, April 4, 2013.  The 2013 home opener is on Monday, April 8 at 6:35pm against the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Full and partial season ticket packages for 2013 are available now by calling (800) WI-TIMBER or (920) 733-4152 from 9am until 5pm Monday through Friday.