FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2008
FUNDERBURG RESIGNS AS GRIZZLIES GENERAL MANAGER
The Gateway Grizzlies announced today that General Manager Tony Funderburg has resigned his position effective immediately. Funderburg has accepted a position as President of an NBA D-League Franchise in Reno, NV. The franchise, an expansion team, will begin play in the 2008-2009 season.
Steve Gomric has been promoted to General Manager. Gomric began with the Grizzlies prior to the 2002 season. He had been the Assistant General Manager since the 2003 season.
Funderburg had been with the Grizzlies since the team's inception, beginning as the Director of Stadium Operations, and then serving as the Assistant General Manager during the 2002 season. He was promoted to General Manager following the 2002 season.
"This was the most difficult decision I have probably ever made," Funderburg said. "This is a move I couldn't pass up, but I love the Grizzlies and I will still be the Grizzlies' biggest fan."
Funderburg led the Grizzlies in becoming one of the most successful franchises in Frontier League history. During his tenure as General Manager the Grizzlies set two attendance records and became the first team in league history to eclipse 200,000 fans in a season when 217,500 fans made their way to Grizzlies games in 2004. Funderburg was named the league's Executive of the Year in 2003, 2005 and 2007. In 2003 and 2006 the Grizzlies staff was named as Organization of the Year in the Frontier League.
Funderburg was at the helm for successful seasons on the field as well. The team captured the Frontier League Championship in 2003, and Division titles in '03 and 2007. They made the playoffs three times during his tenure.
Funderburg was also the architect of the Grizzlies successful "Baseball's Best" line of concession items. Beginning in 2004, the Grizzlies have added a new and interesting concession item each season. One of the most successful was "Baseball's Best Burger" introduced for the 2005 season. The burger uses a Krispy Kreme doughnut as the bun of a bacon cheeseburger. The burger garnered the Grizzlies national attention upon its introduction.
"I'm a concession guy at heart," Funderburg said. "I am very proud of the food at this park and the concessions that we offer."
Gomric, a Belleville, IL native, joined the team in January of 2002 and has served a number of roles for the franchise. He began as an account executive, before taking over ticket operations for the 2002 season.
"The team is in good hands," Funderburg said. "I have no doubt that Steve will do a fine job, and this staff is still one of the best in baseball."
"I've had some mixed emotions ever since Tony told me about this," Gomric said. "The Grizzlies are going to miss Tony greatly. I am going to miss him. At the same time I am excited for the opportunity. I am confident in the staff. I am certain we will do well."
As a gesture of good will, Gomric is offering Funderburg a conditional severance package. Gomric has offered Funderburg $1,000 if he can get a picture with NBA Commissioner David Stern eating "Baseball's Best Burger." The offer increases to $10,000 if he can get Stern to GCS Ballpark to try "Baseball's Best Burger."
The Grizzlies are the defending West Division Champions. They begin their eighth Frontier League season May 21st when they host the Southern Illinois Miners at 7:05 p.m.
Tickets are currently on sale and are available by calling the Grizzlies at 618-337-3000 or visiting the GCS Ballpark ticket office in person.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Gomric or Joe Pott in the Grizzlies office by calling 618-337-3000. Tony Funderburg is reachable via cell phone at 618-781-8170
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