Rob Zerjav, president, CEO and managing partner of Third Base Ventures, owner of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Neuroscience Group Field and Fox Cities Stadium and the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. (Photo courtesy Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)
GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Baseball America has named the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers’ Rob Zerjav its 2023 Minor League Executive of the Year.
The magazine cited Zerjav’s leadership of the Timber Rattlers through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Zerjav and several partners formed Third Base Ventures to buy the previously community-owned team. Zerjav serves as president, CEO and managing partner.
Baseball America also pointed out that the team had what it called a banner year in 2023.
Attendance was up 10%. The club’s stadium naming rights deal with the Neuroscience Group was extended for 10 more years. Naming rights for club suites were also extended.
Wisconsin’s stadium is renovated and fully compliant with the stricter rules of the Professional Development License standards. And the Timber Rattlers’ front office staff of 30 is an excellent mix of lifers13 employees have been with the team for at least 10 years and new energy.
“There are so many great baseball executives in our sport and this recognition from Baseball America, which is the preeminent publication when it comes to Minor League Baseball, was completely unexpected, yet very much appreciated and extremely humbling,” Zerjav said in a statement.
“We have an incredibly talented and dedicated group of people that I get to work with on a daily basis and they do a great job of making me look good, which I am eternally grateful for. This also wouldn’t be possible without my two great business partners in Craig Dickman and Brad Raaths. They trust me to run the show, but their support, advice and resources are key factors in the Timber Rattlers continued success.”
Zerjav is a three-time Midwest League Executive of the Year, having earned the honor in 2007, 2012 and 2018. He has worked for the Timber Rattlers since he began as an unpaid intern in 1997.
“We are extremely proud of Rob for being honored as Baseball America’s Minor League Executive of the Year,” Timber Rattlers chairman Craig Dickman said in a statement. “Rob’s passion for ensuring a memorable experience at our ballpark for fans, players, and partners alike has been a driving force behind our success.”
The Executive of the Year award comes on the heels of another award from Baseball America, which named the Timber Rattlers its High-A Minor League organization of the year in 2022.
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