Tom Volpe Named Cal League Executive of the Year

STOCKTON, Calif.- The California League of Professional Baseball has announced that Stockton Ports owner Tom Volpe has been named Cal-League Executive of the Year for 2006. Volpe, who recently completed his sixth season as an owner in professional baseball, will be receiving the honor for the first time.

In 2005, Volpe helped usher in a new era of baseball in Stockton when his team moved into Banner Island Ballpark, a brand new, $23-million facility on the downtown waterfront. In their two seasons at the new ballpark, the Ports have broken sales and attendance records while expanding their promotional horizons. In July of 2006, Volpe brought in former Fresno Grizzlies CEO Pat Filippone as team president and part owner.

Prior to taking ownership of the Ports in 2002, Volpe owned the Visalia Oaks, also of the California League. He currently serves as the Cal-League representative for the National Association of Professional Baseball Board of Trustees, the governing body of Minor League Baseball.

"Baseball has become such an important part of my family's life, and I'm truly honored to accept this award," said Volpe. "It is fully shared by the people who have worked with me over the years to ensure the success of our teams, and especially (league president) Joe Gagliardi, who continues to build on the tremendous integrity of the California League."

Outside of baseball, Volpe serves as Chairman and CEO of Volpe Investments, LLC, a risk capital firm. He holds an AB in Economics from Harvard College, an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

A native of Braintree, Mass., Volpe currently resides in Hillsborough, Calif. with his wife Beth and his sons Chad and Drew.