Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The Board of Directors of the Cedar Rapids Baseball Club, owners of the Cedar Rapids Kernels and the Waterloo Bucks, are pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Brice as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Doug Nelson who served in this role for over 20 years. Steve comes to Cedar Rapids from Pensacola, FL, where he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.
The CRBC Board conducted a nationwide search and feel fortunate to have been able to secure a leader of Steve’s caliber.
Steve has a long history in baseball. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Steve graduated from Xavier University with a degree in sport management and a minor in Business. His blossoming baseball career began shortly after as an intern with the Memphis Redbirds. Seeing his work ethic and love for the industry, Steve was then hired as one of the youngest general managers in minor league baseball at the time, spending five seasons with the Burlington (NC) Royals.
His career progressed as he worked in various roles with the Gwinnett Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Louisville Bats, Kingsport Axmen, Tennessee Smokies and most recently, the Blue Wahoos.
Steve brings his vast experience to the helm on June 30th.
As Steve reflects on his upcoming transition to Cedar Rapids, he says “My family and I are extremely excited about establishing roots in Eastern Iowa, excited to return to the culture and community of the Midwest. I feel fortunate to be appointed CEO of an organization that is so well regarded by the Minor League Baseball Community, the Northwoods League, the Minnesota Twins, and the Cities of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo.”
“It’s bittersweet seeing Doug transition out of his role,” said Greg Churchill, CRBC Board President, “but we are thrilled to have Steve join us and hope that he too has a 20 plus year career with the organization.”
In his free time, Steve loves to travel, play basketball and golf, and enjoys watching most sports. He is joined in this move by his wife Misti and his three daughters.
The Bucks finish up a two-game homestand versus the Rochester Honkers tonight, with first pitch slated for 6:35 pm. Tickets are available by calling the Bucks Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633 or online at waterloobucks.com. Bucks team ownership has invested nearly $500,000 in stadium improvements over the last decade including an LED video board, group outing areas, painted bleachers, public Wi-Fi, sound system, kids zone inflatables, wiffle ball field, and concessions equipment. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com or utilizing the Northwoods League Mobile App.
# # #
The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Bucks as your favorite team.