GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have a new owner.
Third Base Ventures, led by Craig Dickman, Rob Zerjav and Brad Raaths, announced Thursday it has agreed to sell the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB).
The Timber Rattlers will remain in the Fox Cities as the High-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The existing front office staff will continue to operate the club under the leadership of Zerjav, who is the team’s President and CEO.
As part of the transaction, DBH is also purchasing Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, the team’s home ballpark since it opened in 1995.
“It has always been our goal to ensure baseball remains a part of the fabric of Northeastern Wisconsin and we are excited to be joining DBH, who shares our passion for baseball and community,” said Zerjav, who is in his 23rd season leading the club. “Their commitment to preserving what makes the Timber Rattlers special, while helping us grow into the future, made this the right move for the organization and the Fox Cities.
Subject to the consent of the league and satisfying other closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed soon.
The Timber Rattlers have been a Brewers affiliate since 2009 and have played in the Midwest League since 1962. The team went 77-54 last season and clinched the league’s First-Half Western Division title before advancing to the Midwest League Championship Series.
In 2023, Baseball America named Zerjav its 2023 Minor League Executive of the Year. He moved into the ownership role in 2020.
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