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Pelicans GM Named Executive of the Year
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MBBC General Manager Matt O’Brien |
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are proud to announce that General Manager, Matt O’Brien has been named the Carolina League’s Executive of the Year for 2005. O’Brien becomes the first General Manager in Pelicans history to receive the honor.
O’Brien, 34, has served as the Pelicans General Manager and Vice President since September of 2002. He is honored to be named the Carolina League Executive of the Year, but gives much of the credit to his front office staff.
“If we could just cut the award up in little pieces and hand it out amongst the front office staff here in Myrtle Beach, that would be ideal. I really think that one of my greatest successes this year has been getting out of everyone’s way and letting them do their job, which has translated into success for the staff as a whole. This award is recognition for the team,” said O’Brien.
During the 2005 season he watched over a ball club that garnered national media attention for a number of different promotions including a World Record attempt, a Scotland Night, and a controversial Latin-American night. O’Brien was also instrumental in hosting a Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson concert at Coastal Federal Field this summer. Another highlight of the ’05 campaign was a growth in the number of Pelicans season ticket holders. Over the years O’Brien and the Pelicans have become known not only for their baseball product, but also for their entertainment value.
“Our game presentation is what we pride ourselves on,” added O’Brien.
While approximately 60% of the Pelicans fan base is local, a wide range of tourists from across the country come to Coastal Federal Field year in and year out. Fans from 49 states and six countries walked through the turnstiles in 2005. The only state that did not have resident come to a Pelicans game was North Dakota.
“I just wish that the folks from North Dakota had a chance to come out to the ballpark this year. We had a lot of fun this summer!” said O’Brien with a smile.
Originally form Aurora, Illinois, O’Brien came to Myrtle Beach from Long Island, NY where he was the GM of the Long Island Ducks Baseball Club (Atlantic League). While on Long Island he was also the GM of the Long Island Rough Riders Professional Soccer Team (United Soccer League). He graduated from Drake University and holds a BA in advertising. The Executive of the Year in the Carolina League will be entering his 14th season in professional sports during 2006.
Thanks to MBBC’s Ryan Ibbotson for this capcom story.
