Laven enters his second season as Vice President and General Manager for the M-Braves in 2020. During his first season in 2019, Laven guided the organization to an 8.25% growth in attendance, from 2018. He joined the Braves after spending the 2018 baseball season as Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Chicago Dogs (American Association). Prior to 2018, Laven spent five years as President of Salvi Sports Enterprises, overseeing Pat and Lindy Salvi owned franchises made up of the Schaumburg Boomers (Frontier League), Gary SouthShore RailCats (American Association), North Shore Navigators (Futures Collegiate Baseball League) and the Martha's Vineyard Sharks (FCBL). Laven was charged with handling the day-to-day operations of the Boomers since February 2015. Laven was also charged with managing the day-to-day operations of the Boomers as General Manager from 2015-17.
Laven spent 13 seasons with the Arkansas Travelers, Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Following the 2006 season, the Travelers final season at Ray Winder Field, which also featured the Texas League All-Star Game, Laven was recognized as the 2006 Texas League Executive of the Year. In September 2006 he received the first-ever "Closer Award" as the top salesperson in Minor League Baseball. After three years as the club's Assistant General manager (2004-06), Laven was promoted to General Manager by the team's Executive Committee in 2007 and served as the Travs' GM for six seasons. Laven ascended through the organization, beginning as a Stadium Operations Intern in 1992 and returned as the Director of Stadium Operations in 1993.
Between two stints in Arkansas, Laven spent one season as Account Executive for the Kane County Cougars (1994), one season as Assistant General Manager for the Albany Polecats (1995) and four seasons as Director of Food and Beverage and Director of Sales with the Piedmont (NC) Boll Weevils (1996-99). His second stint with the Travelers began in 2000, taking on responsibilities such as planning promotions, advertising, ticket sales, and public relations until being named Assistant General Manager in 2004.
A native of LaGrange, Illinois, Laven graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1991. He and his wife, Holly, have one daughter, Kellan.
Q & A with Pete:
Favorite ballpark food? Fried Pearl Onions (found only at Trustmark Park)
Favorite baseball player growing up? Dave Kingman
Favorite TV show? Ray Donovan
Favorite movie? Reservoir Dogs
Why I enjoy my job? If I'm having a tough day I can remind myself that I work for the same organization as Hank Aaron
My 12-year-old self would tell me? It's always ok to double-wrap rubber bands around baseball cards