Eastern League
Vander Woude Steps Down as Senators General Manager
It was announced today that after 21 years with the Harrisburg Senators, Todd Vander Woude, as part of a mutual agreement with the Senators new ownership group, will step down from his position as General Manager. Vander Woude will assist and consult with the Senators' new ownership group to facilitate the transition to a new General Manager.
"I feel the timing is right to give Michael Reinsdorf and his group the opportunity to find a new General Manager. Now that the sale of the team has been completed, I feel that both the Senators and I need to look forward. I will continue to be friends with the Senators and will explore career opportunities not only within baseball but also in the local community," said Vander Woude.
"We appreciate Todd's stewardship of the Senators and his assistance with our purchase of the franchise and transition to our ownership group," stated Michael Reinsdorf, President of Senators Partners, LLC. "While Todd will be missed, I'm confident we will find a capable replacement to lead us through this season and into a renovated Commerce Bank Ballpark prior to the 2009 baseball season."
"I certainly wish the Senators organization nothing but success", said Vander Woude. "Michael and his management team have some exciting ideas for the Senators, including the layout and amenities of the new stadium that will enhance the fan's experience. Baseball in Harrisburg will continue to be a great experience."
Vander Woude continued, "I would like to thank Mayor Reed, the City of Harrisburg and the Senators Board of Directors led by Chairman Greg Martini for their support over all these years. I would also like to thank my entire staff with the Senators for all of their hard work and support. Thanks go out to my family for the support and understanding needed to succeed in Minor League Baseball. And, thank you to all of the fans and sponsors of the Harrisburg Senators; we could not have been as successful in Harrisburg without you. I hope the team continues to flourish under Michael Reinsdorf's leadership and wish them luck in the coming years."
Vander Woude came to Harrisburg when the franchise returned to City Island in 1987, serving as the team's first Assistant General Manager. He was promoted to the top position as General Manager in 1992.
Vander Woude was named the 1993 Minor League Executive of the Year by The Sporting News. The same year, the Senators front office received the Bob Freitas Award from Baseball America as the top baseball operation. Vander Woude has also been honored as a two-time winner of the Eastern League Executive of the Year Award in 1996 and 2001.
Locally, the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal selected Todd to the exclusive First Top Forty Under Forty Club in 1995. That honor goes to the top 40 business leaders of the community under the age of forty. Vander Woude has also been extensively involved in charitable efforts in his years with the Senators. He has served as Vice President, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of the Capital Area (currently as a Lifetime Board Member). Vander Woude has also served as Chairman of the 65 Roses Sports Club and board member with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He has also been a long time supporter of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
Prior to arriving in Harrisburg, Vander Woude worked for the Richmond Braves for 3 years after receiving his Masters Degree in Sport Management from the University of Richmond.