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About

Derek Franks named Fresno Grizzlies General Manager

Promoted from his position as Executive Vice President, he enters his 12th season with the Grizzlies organization
By
March 5, 2015

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies today announced that Derek Franks has been named General Manager. General Managing Partner and Team President Chris Cummings made the announcement at an afternoon press conference at Chukchansi Park.

            "Derek has proven himself as a connector whose relationships in baseball and the Central Valley appear to have no end," stated Chris Cummings. "His strategic decisions over the last 10 months as Executive Vice President have been instrumental in directing the success of this organization. He is truly a Farm Grown leader that's well suited to make the day-to-day decisions now and into the future."

            Franks, 30, began his tenure with the Grizzlies back in 2004 as an intern and progressed through the sales ranks, and eventually became promoted to Executive Vice President in March 2014. Born in Avenal, he attended Kingsburg High School and graduated from Fresno State in 2006. Under his leadership as Executive Vice President this past season, the Grizzlies set a single-season merchandise revenue record, and earned the highest grossing single-game ticket and corporate sales marks since 2008.

            "Derek has shown a strong commitment to our community and I look forward to working together with him and the entire Grizzlies organization to help make downtown Fresno a great place to live, work, and play," stated Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.

            Over the last six months, Franks has led the organization through the welcoming of a new affiliation, the enactment of new sales methods, establishment of new corporate partnerships, the branding of a Fresno-first marketing strategy, and last week revealed one of the most progressive promotional calendars in all of sports.

            "Derek's title as General Manager may be new but his talent and qualifications have been known around the league for several years," stated Branch Rickey, President of the Pacific Coast League. "He is respected for his ability and is uncommonly successful in baseball matters because of his winning approach in dealing with his peers. The PCL is pleased to see him promoted to this new role."

            Franks and his wife, Sarah, have an 18-month old daughter: Joni.

            In his first personnel move as General Manager, Franks has promoted Jerry James to Assistant General Manager. A native of Fresno, James is entering his seventh season with the organization and most recently served as Vice President of Revenue and Executive Director of the Grizzlies Community Fund. During his time with the organization, he has created many aspects of the company's business development approach, focusing on corporate partnerships and community alliances. Prior to joining the Grizzlies, James served as the Planning Director for nearby Madera County. James attended Hoover High School and is a 1985 graduate of Fresno State.

#Growlifornia

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies are the Triple-A Baseball affiliate of the Houston Astros and compete in the 16-team Pacific Coast League. The club plays their home games in Downtown Fresno at Chukchansi Park between the months of April and September. Come down to see the raising of the Growlifornia Republic Flag on Opening Day April 9th when Fresno faces the Las Vegas 51s (NYM) at 7:05 PM. Season tickets, mini plans, and group options are now on sale by calling the Grizzlies ticket office at 559.320.8497. Stay updated on everything related to the Fresno Grizzlies by following them on Twitter (@FresnoGrizzlies), Instagram (instagrizz_fg), and Facebook. Visit FresnoGrizzlies.com for more information, call 559.320.TIXS, or stop by administration office on the second floor of Chukchansi Park.

ABOUT THE BEAR FLAG REBELLION OF 2015

Join the Fresno Grizzlies at the ballpark starting on Opening Day April 9th as they embark on the Bear Flag Rebellion of 2015 all season long. Their new position as the Triple-A Baseball affiliate of a non-California team gives them an incredible opportunity to celebrate the unique region of Fresno, deemed Growlifornia. Rooted into the fabric of Fresno culture, #Growlifornia is one-hundred percent unapologetically Central Californian. This new personality is going to wake the Pacific Coast League up to the Fresno Grizzlies this year. With your support, it can also wake California and the rest of the country up to the city of Fresno.