Northwest Arkansas Naturals General Manager Eric Edelstein has accepted a position with the Reno Aces of the Pacific Coast League and Justin Cole, the Naturals’ assistant general managerand director of sales, will serve as Edelstein’s replacement for the remainder of the 201 3 season.
Edelstein has been the Naturals’ general managersince 2008, when the Class AA team made its debut in Springdale. He will join the front office of the Aces, the Class AAA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Edelstein will remain with the Naturals through the end of May and direct the transition.
“We would like to congratulate Eric and wish him success as he takes this exciting new position with Reno,” said Jonathan Dandes, president of Rich Baseball Operations. “Over the years, Eric has done a tremendous job directing the creation of the Naturals, the building of Arvest Ballpark and bringinggreat baseball and family fun to the Northwest Arkansas area.”
The Naturals won numerous awards during Edelstein’s time as general manager, which included being named the 2008 Ballpark of the Year, the 2010 STMA Professional Field of the Year, the 2010 Arkansas Tourism’s Henry Award, the 2012 Texas League Organization of the Year Award and Baseball America’s Bob Freitas Award in 2012, which recognizes excellence in operation for Class AA baseball. The Naturals won the Texas League Championship in 2010.
Cole, 31, has been a member of the Naturals organization since 2008. He joined Rich Baseball Operations in 2004 and oversaw the final year of the Class AA Wichita Wranglers prior to the franchise’s move to Springdale. Cole was named assistant general manager in 2007.
“We are very fortunate to have Justin Cole on the Naturals team to step up to the plate and keep Naturals baseball the highest quality sports and family entertainment in town,” Dandes said. “Through his dedication and commitment for 10 years with the organization, we are confident Justin will do a great job in his new role.”
Sports, Pages 21 on 05/03/2013