Founded in 2021, Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is committed to elevating fan experiences, creating “centers of energy,” fostering dynamic engagements for brands and highlighting the evolution of the Minor League Baseball environment. It is grounded in a deep-rooted appreciation for traditions, community and the sport of baseball.

DBH is led by Executive Chairman Pat Battle and CEO Peter B. Freund. Battle is the Executive Chairman of DBH. He brings extensive experience at the local and national levels and spent several years running The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), which sold to IMG in 2007 and today (as Learfield) operates the multimedia rights, licensing, ticketing, web publishing, and national sales businesses for hundreds of colleges and universities around the country. Freund is CEO of DBH. As a longtime Minor League Baseball owner and operator, Freund most recently consulted with the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball on the transition of Major League Baseball’s licensed affiliates while spearheading the formation of the MLB Draft League.

For more information, visit https://diamondbaseballholdings.com

Hometown: Roanoke, VA

Salem Experience: 25th Season

Alma Mater: Elon College '00

Walk-up Music: Tag Team - "Scoop There It Is"

Bio: Allen is entering his 25th season in Minor League Baseball, all with Salem. A graduate of North Cross High School, Allen is an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and Virginia Cavaliers. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, watching and attending sporting events and spending time with friend & family. Allen has two boys, Parker & Connor.

Direct Line: 540.302.0246

Hometown: Christiansburg, VA

Salem Experience: 7th Season

Alma Mater: Radford University

Walk Up Music: Florence + the Machine - "Dog Days Are Over"

Bio: As Blair enters her 7th season with the Salem RidgeYaks, this will be her 11th in Minor League Baseball. She began her career in the sports industry serving as Director of Marketing for the Pulaski Yankees before becoming General Manager in 2016. Blair was the recipient of the Appalachian League Woman of the Year award in 2016, Executive of the Year award in 2017, and the inaugural Diamond Baseball Holdings Hero award in 2023. Hoke is a 2024 Leadership Roanoke Valley graduate. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, golfing, live music & sports, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Direct Line: 540.302.0243

Hometown: Keysville, Virginia

Salem Experience: 4th Season

Alma mater: Longwood University

Walk Up Music: Deep Purple - "Smoke of the Water"

Bio: Raleigh began his sports career as an intern and coach with Bandits Sports Center in Farmville, Virginia, in January 2021. When he is not working he is typically outdoors, hunting or fishing.

Direct Line: 540.302.0239

Hometown: Lake Luzerne, NY

Salem Experience: 3rd Season

Alma Mater: University of Lynchburg '15

Walk Up Music: Panic! At the Disco - "High Hopes"

Bio: After successful runs with Dover International Speedway and Virginia Tech Athletics, Vinny Meyer is excited for his second season with the Salem RidgeYaks. With my 9 years of sales experience, I am confident we can find the best solution for your business. When he is not at the ballpark, you can usually find him watching Netflix or struggling on the golf course. Vinny resides in Bedford County with his wife Erin, and their 2 cats Ashes and Panther.

Direct Line: 540.302.0261

Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA

Salem Experience: 4th Season

Alma Mater: University of Georgia

Walk up music: Lil Wayne- “Right Above It”

Bio: In his fourth season with the Salem RidgeYaks after graduating from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management. He previously worked as a Marketing Intern for the UGA Athletics Association and a Promotions Assistant for the Gwinnett Stripers. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, gaming with friends, and hanging out with my dog Teddy.

Direct Line: 540-302-0263

Hometown: Winter Garden, FL

Salem Experience: Rookie Season

Alma Mater: Reinhradt University '22

Walk Up Music: Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Can’t Stop”

Bio: John grew up in Winter Garden, FL and went to Reinhradt University where he played volleyball all 4 years getting a B.S degree in Sports Management and Master’s in Sports Administration and Leadership. In his spare time, John like to either watch or play sports as well as hang out with family.

Direct Line: 540.302.0268

Hometown: Franklin, OH

Salem Experience: Rookie Season

Alma Mater: Marietta College '23 & University of Cincinnati '24

Walk Up Music: Corbin Bleu - "Push it to the Limit"

Bio: Marissa grew up in Southwest Ohio, and she’s excited to begin her second season in Salem! Prior to her time Salem she was able to take part in a variety of experiences around the Cincinnati area including internships with the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Open, Florence Y’alls, and a Graduate Assistant position within the Facilities & Operations Department at the University of Cincinnati. She also was able to take part in multiple hands-on experiences with organizations such as the Savannah Bananas and the Boca Raton Bowl!

In her free time, she likes attending sporting events, traveling, playing a good board game / puzzle, and watching WWE. She looks forward to continuing to create fun and exciting experiences at the ballpark in 2026 for the Roanoke Valley community!

Direct Line: 540.302.0237

Hometown: Washington, DC

Salem Experience: Rookie Season

Alma Mater: University of South Carolina

Walk Up Music: Elton John - "Rocket Man"

Bio: At USC I studied sport and entertainment management and joined various clubs, including playing a year of Club Baseball. In my free time I enjoy reading (my favorite genre is non-fiction), working out, playing pickleball and golf, and watching sports and sitcoms.

Direct Line: 540.302.0234

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

Salem Experience: Rookie Season

Alma Mater: University of South Carolina ‘25

Walk Up Music: OutKast – “ATLiens”

Bio: Paige graduated from the University of South Carolina in May of 2025 with a B.S. in Sport Management and a minor in Sports Media. Prior to signing on with the Salem RidgeYaks as an ISR, she has done internships with Gamecock Athletics, The Masters Tournament, Coastal Carolina Athletics, and most recently worked for the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, NE. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and going for walks/hiking.

Direct Line: 540.302.0260

Hometown: Roanoke, VA

Salem Experience: 2nd Season

Alma Mater: Virginia Tech '25

Walk Up Music: Queens of the Stone Age - “No One Knows”

Bio: Will is returning as our video production manager after being the video production assistant for the past two years. This is his fourth year with the RidgeYaks after working two seasons on the production crew. Will has a huge passion for video production and is looking forward to further strengthening this passion here at the RidgeYaks. In his free time, Will likes to watch movies and play basketball.

Direct Line: 540.302.0110

Hometown: Yanceyville, NC

Salem Experience: 6th Season

Alma Mater: UNC-Greensboro

Walk-up Music: Macklemore - "Marmalade"

Bio: Before joining the RidgeYaks staff in October of 2018, he enjoyed three years as Finance Assistant at the RVSPCA and spent more than 15 years in supervisory positions in retail businesses. He has two wonderful boys, a loving wife, and a sweet Catahoula mix dog named Boomer. Barry has been an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America for five years. He is currently the PTA President at William Byrd Middle School. Barry also is the Coordinator for 13U, 14U, and 15U Baseball for the Vinton Booster Club. He is thrilled to bring his managerial and bookkeeping experience to a team who shares his love of baseball.

Direct Line: 540.302.0241

Hometown: Winchester, VA

Salem Experience: 10th Season

Bio: Donna began working in the stands, later becoming stand manager and eventually transitioned to working in the front office as finance assistant and remain in that position today. Her hobbies include travel and spending time with my husband and grown children.

Direct Line: 540.302.0113

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Salem Experience: 2nd Season

Alma Mater: Penn State

Walk-up Music: Johnny Cash - "God's Gonna Cut You Down”

Bio: Will is from Greensboro but grew up in the Tidewater region of Virginia. He now lives in Roanoke with his wife Amy and their three children: Landon, Emma, and Ryleigh. Will is a huge fan of Chelsea FC and the US National Soccer teams. He is also a marathon runner and has traveled along the east coast to run including the 2022 New York City Marathon. Will became the first sports turf manager in 2023 to win back-to-back Virginia Sports Field Managers Field of the Year in the Parks and Professional categories. When he is not at the field, you can find him playing different sports with his family or eating Chick-fil-A.

Direct Line: 540.854.1224

Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA

Salem Experience: Rookie Season

Alma Mater: Virginia Tech

Walk-up Music: Post Malone, Mark Morrison, Sickick - "Cooped Up/Return of the Mack"

Bio: Austin was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with an associate degree in sports turf management. Austin has worked for the Washington Commanders through all three name changes. He also worked for the Baltimore Orioles, Tennessee Smokies (AA for Chicago Cubs), and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA for the Miami Marlins). Austin moved to Roanoke with his girlfriend Melanie and two kids Fletcher, and Colette. When Austin is not at the ballpark he enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, or gaming with friends.

Hometown: Salem, VA

Salem Experience: 8th Season

Alma Mater: Bluefield State College '20

Walk-up Music: Zach Bryan - "God Speed"

Bio: RJ grew up in Floyd county before moving to Salem a decade ago. He graduated from Glenvar High School in 2017 before going to Bluefield State College, where he played baseball. Outside of work RJ enjoys hunting, fishing and playing golf

Hometown: Newcastle, VA

Salem Experience: 2nd Season

Alma Mater: Groundskeepers U

Walk-up Music: Little Ditto - "Bluey Theme Song”

Bio: Millie joined the field operations team during the 2023 season. She serves as the field operations K9 and could be spotted either following Will Cole around the stadium or helping to take care of the field during the season.