Movers and Shakers: A.J. Grant Named General Manager of Bradenton Marauders

A.J. Grant

BRADENTON – The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that A.J. Grant has been named Manager of McKechnie Field Operations and General Manager of the Bradenton Marauders. The appointment was announced by Dennis DaPra, Executive Vice President and General Manager of PNC Park and Facility Management. Grant has worked for the Pirates since 2005. He will oversee the day to day operations of McKechnie Field as well as continuing to assist with sales and marketing efforts for the Marauders. The Marauders are owned and operated by the Pirates.

“A.J. has a proven track record from his work managing the operations of the Pirate City training facility,” DaPra said. “New Spring Training and Marauders attendance records were set at McKechnie Field in 2013, and I know A.J.’s leadership will allow that growth to continue in 2014.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with our very passionate fans,” Grant said. “Our entire staff is hard at work planning our 2014 promotional schedule and getting ready for another great season.”

Grant inherits the daily responsibilities of the Marauders organization from Trevor Gooby, the Pirates Senior Director of Florida Operations. Gooby will continue to oversee the overall operations of Pirate City, McKechnie Field, Pirates Spring Training, the Marauders, and the Pirates Dominican Academy.

“A.J. has been a key member of our Florida Operations since 2005,” Gooby said. “He is well prepared for this new role and the responsibilities it entails.”

Prior to coming to the Pirates, Grant spent two years with the Los Angeles Dodgers as Minor League Equipment Coordinator. He has also worked for the Arizona Fall League and the New York Mets. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of West Virginia with a degree in Sport Management.

Zach DeCicco has also been hired as Coordinator of McKechnie Field Operations. DeCicco, who worked with the team as a Florida Operations intern during the 2013 season, will assist Grant in all facets of operations. DeCicco is a recent graduate of Washington and Jefferson College.

McKechnie Field has hosted Pirates Spring Training games since 1969. The Marauders first home game of the 2014 season will be Saturday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. McKechnie Field will host the 2014 Florida State League All-Star Game on Saturday, June 14.   

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, please call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com, or email MaraudersInfo@Pirates.com.