Tourists Sale Finalized

Brian DeWine and his family have received notification that the impending sale of the Asheville Tourists has been approved by Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and the South Atlantic League. As a result, with Opening Night only a week away, the team will open the 90th season of professional baseball in the Land of the Sky under the ownership of DeWine Seeds Silver Dollar Baseball, LLC.

"Today is truly a dream come true for the DeWine family," said Brian DeWine, who officially became president of the Asheville Tourists with the closing of the sale. "I appreciate the team's previous owners, Palace Sports and Entertainment, with their help in making this an easy transition since the sale was announced in January. Now I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the great tradition of having Tourists baseball serve as an integral part of Asheville and Western North Carolina."

Brian DeWine has spent the past decade working in professional baseball and collegiate athletics. During that time, the native of Ohio discovered what he believes to be the key to continuing an atmosphere at McCormick Field where memories are made.

"I plan to run this organization the same way my grandfather ran his seed company, by establishing personal relationships and being an active member of this community," DeWine said. "It will be a family-owned business for a family-centered sport. I said at the press conference earlier this year that the Asheville Tourists are a perfect match for our family, and I believe that even more today. I look forward to relocating to Asheville with my wife Kali and our newborn son Parker and becoming members of this great community."

The Tourists transaction marked the lone sale of a Minor League Baseball team this offseason. The finalization of the sale brought with it an enthusiastic response from South Atlantic League president Eric Krupa.

"The South Atlantic League is excited to have the DeWine family as the new owners in Asheville," Krupa said. "Palace Baseball has been an excellent partner in the league and we thank them for their contributions. The stability achieved by retaining the front office staff combined with the creative ideas of the new owners should ensure continued success in Asheville."

One of DeWine's first orders of business was to spell out the new ownership's mission statement for the team. It reads: "To provide the families and residents of Western North Carolina a special and affordable place to make memories together while experiencing America's Past Time. To intertwine the Great Game of Baseball with the community through charitable acts and community involvement. To pass the game onto the next generation and enhance the quality of life in the community, thus remembering why baseball truly is America's Past Time."

The Tourists open their 2010 season at McCormick Field on April 8 against the Lakewood BlueClaws, with first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. Single game tickets and season ticket packages are available at the McCormick Field box office. For more information, contact the Tourists front office at (828) 258-0428.