Brady Ballard named general manager of The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches

The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals today announced that Brady Ballard has been named General Manager of The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, the future, state-of-the-art Spring Training home of the two clubs which is scheduled to open in 2017. Ballard will be a critical resource in the construction and opening of the brand new Spring Training facility that will be operated as a joint venture between the Astros and Nationals. He will also be responsible for leading all aspects of business operations and revenue generation, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, public relations, finance, human resources, special events, facility operations and community initiatives. Ballard has over 11 years of experience working in professional baseball, achieving success at a variety of different levels. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Historic Dodgertown (2013-16) in Vero Beach, FL, where he co-managed the 80-acre, multi-sport facility year-round. Ballard also oversaw Dodgertown's national marketing efforts and was successful in establishing partnerships with several high-profile companies. He also played a significant role in the stadium seating renovation of Dodgertown's iconic Holman Stadium, which had been the Spring Training home of the Brooklyn and later Los Angeles Dodgers for over 60 years. "We're pleased to have Brady on board," said Astros President, Business Operations, Reid Ryan. "His experience and leadership qualities will be key in both opening and ensuring year-round success of The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches complex." "We are thrilled to have someone with Brady's experience overseeing the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches," said Alan Gottlieb, Chief Operating Officer of Lerner Sports Group. "The time that he spent at Historic Dodgertown and working in minor league facilities make him highly qualified for this position." Prior to joining Historic Dodgertown, Ballard had a successful run as the General Manager of the Daytona Cubs minor league baseball team (2010-13), which is the Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. While at Daytona, he was in charge of all facets of team and stadium operations, which covered sales, advertising, tickets, concessions and community relations. Under Ballard's leadership, Daytona twice set franchise records for season attendance, increased apparel sales after rebranding the team logo and underwent a $1.2 million renovation project of historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Ballard was recognized for his success at Daytona by being named the Florida State League Executive of the Year in 2013. Ballard is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he was a starter on the varsity baseball team and twice earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. "I am so proud of the progress that the Astros and Nationals have made in the first few months of construction," said Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, whose district includes the neighborhood where the stadium is being built. "I would like to congratulate and welcome Brady Ballard and I look forward to seeing him in our community and working with us."