Mankato, MN. – Mankato MoonDog’s General Manager Kyle Mrozek earned the Northwoods League’s highest honor for league front office staff, as he was named Executive of the Year at this year’s fall meetings.
"I am extremely humbled to receive this distinction from my peers in the Northwoods League,” said Mrozek. "The MoonDogs success is truly a team effort and this award reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire staff. On behalf of everyone involved in the MoonDogs organization including Assistant General Manager Jessie Hays, I’m honored to accept this award.”
Mrozek has worked in the Northwoods League for eight seasons and been with the MoonDogs for seven of those. He started his career in sports as an intern with the Alexandria Beetles in 2001. He has been with the MoonDogs since 2003 and has overseen many changes, on the field and off, which have culminated in two North Division first half titles in the last two seasons.
Since his first year with the MoonDogs, Mrozek has helped raise average attendance every year he has been general manager, nearly doubling attendance since the time he started. Franklin Rogers Park, the home of the MoonDogs, has also seen numerous upgrades under Mrozek’s guidance; including a new covered grandstand, two party decks and upgrades to the playing field and the park’s surroundings.
"Kyle really deserves this honor. He has been one of the top GMs in the Northwoods League for a long time and it is wonderful that he has been recognized by his peers. Night in and night out, we have been as competitive on the field as any team in the league over the last couple of seasons,” said MoonDogs Owner Joe Schwei. "We have also seen the attendance increase in each of the last eight summers. The bulk of the credit goes to Kyle."
In 2008, the MoonDogs earned their first playoff berth with a first half North Division title and team record 41 regular season wins. This past season the ‘Dogs won another first half title and put up a 39-29 regular season record.
At this year’s fall meetings, Eau Claire was named team of the year, as they earned their second playoff berth with a first half title.
The Northwoods League just finished its 16th year of existence with Rochester winning its fifth league title. Year 17 of the league is scheduled to open in early June of 2010.
