Keys' Ziedelis wins Falwell Award
"It's a great honor," said Ziedelis. "The league is full of outstanding people, and I am very grateful. We have had a wonderful season in Frederick. With increased attendance and the Carolina League title coming back to town, it has been a memorable season."
The voting was done by league managers, general managers, directors and the president.
In 2011, the Keys recorded their highest attendance since 2002, drawing 296,296 fans to Harry Grove Stadium. Recently the team had a 10-year lease finalized with the city. During that process, which was lengthy and eventful, Ziedelis was the voice and face of the club in the community. And on the field, the team won its third Mills Cup title in the last seven years.
"Dave is great choice for this award," said league president John Hopkins. "During his years in Frederick, he has always gone the extra mile to get things done right, and he has led a fantastic staff. We are proud that he was voted this honor."
Keys president Ken Young agreed.
"Dave richly deserves this award," Young said. "And I am happy to see that others in league have recognized the excellent job he does."
In his 23rd year in professional sports, Ziedelis has been general manager in Frederick since 2004. He has overseen over $5 million in stadium renovations since his arrival in Frederick. Previously he was with the Quad City River Bandits of the Midwest League for five years, most of which were as Vice President/General Manager. While in that role, Ziedelis was instrumental in the design, construction and implementation of a $14 million stadium renovation.
Ziedelis started his professional sports career in 1989 with the San Diego Padres. He is a graduate of Temple University and a native of the Boston area. Ziedelis currently resides in Frederick with wife Kim and daughter Katelin.
The Falwell award was named in 2006 for the man who had been president of the Lynchburg club since that city joined the league in 1966. Calvin Falwell died at 90 on August 20 of this year.