High Desert Mavericks Announce Front Office Additions

ADELANTO, CA (JAN. 23, 2013) - As the High Desert Mavericks approach the opening of the 2013 season on April 4, the California League club announced on Wednesday the addition of five new front office staff members. With returning staff, the Seattle Mariners Advanced-A affiliate now has a front office with more than 35 years of combined experience in the sports and entertainment industries.

The Mavericks' new hires include Mitch Butz as Assistant General Manager of Baseball Operations, Cory John as Assistant General Manager of Sales, Casey Rasmussen as Director of Corporate Partnerships, Jim Kneer as Director of Marketing and Communications, and Joe Jimenez as Head Groundskeeper.

"I am pleased that we have brought in such dedicated and talented staff members who bring knowledge, creativity and a focus toward giving the High Desert community a new and memorable experience at Mavericks Stadium," said team owner Dave Heller. "This year begins a new chapter of Mavericks baseball and we will be doing everything possible to provide our fans with wonderful - and affordable - family fun the entire season."

Assistant General Manager of Baseball Operations Mitch Butz comes to the Mavericks from the Midwest League's Clinton LumberKings, with whom he spent the past five seasons, including three as the Director of Operations.

Assistant General Manager of Sales Cory John brings ten years of sales experience to the Mavericks. For the past five years, John was an Account Manager at EAC Product Development Solutions. He studied at the University of Minnesota and has also worked with the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League and the Greenville Astros of the Appalachian League in minor league baseball.

Director of Corporate Partnerships Casey Rasmussen has 14 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industries, including stints with the California League's Stockton Ports and the Eastern League's New Haven Ravens. He has degrees from the University of the Pacific and the University of Phoenix and has worked at many of the top events in sports, including the World Series, NBA Finals, several all-star games, college football bowl games and the national championship, as well as the MTV Music awards and Sundance Film Festival.

Director of Marketing and Communications Jim Kneer spent the past six years working for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association, a team widely regarded as having one of the best operations in all of professional sports. The University of Miami graduate has a background in market research and new media.

Head Groundskeeper Joe Jimenez spent the past four years working in the California League with the Lake Elsinore Storm. He is the first full-time groundskeeper in the history of the franchise. While in Lake Elsinore, Jimenez's field was repeatedly named the best playing field in the Cal League.

The new front office members join returning Director of Food and Beverage Danny Gonzalez and Account Executive Michelle Alipio, who begin their fifth and third seasons, respectively, with the Mavericks organization.

The Mavericks open the 2013 season at Lancaster Thursday, April 4, and play their home opener Thursday, April 11, against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at Mavericks Stadium.

MAVERICKS TICKETS: Main Street Baseball is bringing its ticket policy - the most liberal ticket return policy in baseball - to the High Desert. Beginning this season, any ticket purchased for any game can be exchanged up to one hour prior to game time for similar seats to any future Mavericks game so long as space is available. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, by calling (760) 246-6287 (760-246-MAVS) or at HDMavs.com. Ticket packages start as low as $55 per seat for 10 games. For more information, call the Mavericks Front Office at (760) 246-6287 (760-246-MAVS).