Intimidators expand front office in preparation for new stadium

Published 7:29 pm Tuesday, February 28, 2017

KANNAPOLIS — The Kannapolis Intimidators have expanded the team’s front office staff ahead of the 2017 season — in preparation for the organization’s move to a new ballpark as part of the city’s revitalization plans for Downtown Kannapolis.

The organization has hired Mike deMaine as the team’s new chief revenue officer and long-time general manager Randy Long has been promoted to chief operating officer.

“We are excited to make these moves as we prepare our organization for the highly anticipated move to our downtown ballpark,” stated managing partner Reese Smith. “Mike brings a wealth of experience in launching venues, driving revenue and building corporate partnerships. He was at the forefront of the development of two of professional baseball’s top venues (Frisco and Greenville) and to have him lead our efforts is an opportunity to improve our organization at the top.”

“Randy has been our top executive for more than a decade, and he has earned the respect and admiration of all those associated with Intimidators baseball,” Smith continued. “His promotion is well-earned, and he will play a vital role in maintaining our family-friendly atmosphere in all day-to-day operations at Intimidators Stadium and carry that same dedication to our customers to the new ballpark.”

DeMaine joins the Intimidators following eight years with the Greenville (S.C.) Drive, helping the club open West End Field in 2006 as the team’s general manager. His tenure with the Drive included partnering with the Fluor Corporation on venue naming rights, building Fluor Field as one of the top venues in professional baseball, and developing the ballpark into a key piece of the Downtown Greenville business community.

Prior to joining the Drive, deMaine served as assistant GM and VP of operations with the Frisco (Tex.) RoughRiders, helping to open Dr Pepper-7UP Ballpark in 2003.

DeMaine’s career in sports includes starting with the Charlotte Checkers and Ericsson Stadium (now Bank of America Stadium) with the Carolina Panthers.

“This opportunity is unique, to be involved with a dynamic project that will transform Downtown Kannapolis is tremendous,” said deMaine. “I’m looking forward to creating something special with the Intimidators over the next few seasons that we carry over into the launch of the new ballpark.”

Long, who is entering his 21st season with the team and 12th as the team’s top executive, will continue to oversee the team’s day-to-day operations while deMaine will supervise and enhance the team’s revenue streams.

Long joined the club in 1997 and has served in virtually every position within the organization on his way to ascending to the general manager role, following the 2005 season.

Under Long, the Intimidators have enjoyed a strong relationship with Chicago White Sox, the club’s Major League affiliate since 2001.  He oversaw the team’s naming rights partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System (then Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast) that began in 2012 and has been instrumental in the vision for the Intimidators role as part of the revitalization of Downtown Kannapolis.

“As the Intimidators organization continues to strengthen, we are extremely pleased to bring in someone of Mike deMaine’s caliber,” said Long. “We are extremely committed to providing our community a top-tier entertainment venue and look forward to an exciting future.”

The Intimidators are preparing for the 2017 season, the 23rd season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and 17th year as a Chicago White Sox affiliate. Since the team’s inception in 1995, a total of 93 players have gone from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues. The Intimidators play at Intimidators Stadium located off I-85, Exit 63 in Kannapolis. Justin Jirschele will serve as the team’s manager in 2017, making his managerial debut after serving as a player in the White Sox system as recently as 2015 before moving into coaching. Single-game tickets go on sale starting March 6, and Season Tickets, Mini Plans, and Flex Packs for the 2017 season are available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting IntimidatorsBaseball.com.