Midwest League names Executive of the Year

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs is pleased to announce its 2016 Executive of the Year, Nick Grueser, general manager of the Lansing Lugnuts in Lansing, Michigan.

Grueser presided over a groundbreaking renovation that has drawn international acclaim, strengthened the bond between the Lugnuts and the Lansing community, persevered to execute a resoundingly successful postseason exhibition against Michigan State University and turned Cooley Law School Stadium into a premier venue for special events in the Mid Michigan community.

He first joined the Lugnuts as group sales representative in August 2001, working his way to the general manager role in July 2012 and in the process becoming the longest-tenured employee in team history. During the 2016 season, Grueser's 15th full season in the Midwest League, the Lansing Lugnuts welcomed in their eight millionth fan in August. That fan was one of 311,190 for the year, marking the 21st straight season that the Lugnuts surpassed the 300,000 mark.

The Midwest League Executive of the Year is nominated and selected by the league's sixteen member clubs. The award is presented to an individual who has had a successful season in the areas of leadership, attendance accomplishments, marketing initiatives, promotions, stadium projects/enhancements, gameday and non-gameday events, community/charity involvement and overall baseball operations.