The Akron RubberDucks are welcoming a new leader to the organization.
Longtime Minor League Baseball executive Noel Blaha has been named the team’s new President and General Manager. He will take over for Jim Pfander, who is leaving at the end of May to join the Tampa Bay Rays organization.
Blaha brings more than two decades of experience in Minor League Baseball. Most recently, he served in several leadership roles with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, including Senior Vice President. During his time there, he helped lead major marketing efforts and oversaw a successful rebrand of the team.
Blaha says he’s honored to step into the role in Akron, calling it a bit of a homecoming for his family, which has roots in Northeast Ohio. He also emphasized his commitment to continuing the RubberDucks’ focus on affordable, family-friendly entertainment at the ballpark.
Team ownership says Blaha stood out during the search process for his leadership and experience, and they’re confident he’s the right person to guide the organization moving forward.
Blaha has also held roles with the Charleston RiverDogs and has experience in minor league soccer and hockey.
