GM Bruce Baldwin Steps Down From His Position With The Gwinnett Braves

After 23 seasons as the general manager of the Richmond Braves/Gwinnett Braves, Bruce Baldwin is relinquishing his position.

“I love this organization, but I love my family more and they’re back in Richmond,” said Baldwin. “I’m thrilled I will be back with my family full time and that I can remain working with the Braves. I’m deeply grateful and appreciative of everyone in Gwinnett, especially the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the county government, and all the fans.”

Over the course of his tenure, his most recent responsibilities included the transition of moving the team from Richmond to Gwinnett. After six years of failed attempts to get a new ballpark constructed in the city of Richmond, he finally orchestrated the team’s most recent move during this past year’s offseason.

Beginning with the organization in the 1982, he has spent time with the Braves' AA team in Savannah before they moved the team to Greenville, S.C., where he also helped them open their new stadium in 1984.

“Bruce has been such a valuable member of our organization,” said Mike Plant, Braves executive vice president of operations. “He’s been a part of the Braves since 1982 and we’re pleased he will continue to lend his vast experience to assist our organization.”

Being one of the most tenured and respected general managers in the game today, his hardware and accolades back that up: Baseball America’s Freitas Award (symbolic of best overall run franchise), Minor League Baseball’s Larry MacPhail Promotional Award (recognizing him for many creative promotional contributions that have been adopted as standards in the industry), the Southern League Executive of the Year, the International League Executive of the Year, Sporting News Minor League Executive of the Year, and the John H. Johnson President’s Award (twice) as an industry leader.

Even though he his stepping down from his current position, Baldwin will stay on as a special minor league consultant.

The Gwinnett Braves, who finished second in the South Division two games behind the International League champion, Durham Bulls, begin their 2010 season at home against the Charlotte Knights on April 8.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective . Currently, Devon is a Branch Manager at a financial institution in Southern Ontario Canada.  He can be reached at devon@thegmsperspective.com or devon@businessofsportsnetwork.com

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