Minors: Ben Hemmen joins Fort Myers Miracle in front office; Steve Gliner leaving

The Fort Myers Miracle and SJS Beacon Baseball announced changes to the front office with the hiring of Ben Hemmen as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Hemmen replaces Steve Gliner, who had been with the club for 13 years and will become president of the Hudson Valley Renegades, a Tampa Bay Rays affiliate in the New York-Penn League. Andrew Seymour will continue in his role as general manager and will be promoted to senior vice president.

“We are excited to add Ben to Fort Myers,”  Miracle owner Jason Hochberg said. “He’s going to be a big hit with the community, the fans and the Twins. Ben is passionate about baseball and will focus on further enhancing the fan experience at the CenturyLink Sports Complex and Hammond Stadium during spring training and Miracle season.”

Hemmen, 38, joins the Miracle after serving as the general manager for the Texas Rangers affiliate High Desert Mavericks in the California League the last two seasons. With eight years of minor league baseball experience, Hemmen was previously the assistant general manager with the Bowling Green Hot Rods in the Midwest League and the Director of Marketing and Promotions with the Omaha Storm Chasers in the Pacific Coast League.

“I want to thank Jason Hochberg, Steve Gliner and the Fort Myers Miracle for this unbelievable opportunity,” Hemmen said. “Steve leaves big shoes to fill, but with great ownership in SJS Beacon Baseball, LLC, an amazing affiliate and Spring Training partnership with the Minnesota Twins, the support of Lee County and an experienced Miracle staff already in place, I cannot wait to enter my ninth year in professional baseball with a beautiful facility in Hammond Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports Complex during our 25th anniversary season.”

“I look forward to continue to offer affordable, family, fun entertainment to Fort Myers, Lee County and all of Southwest Florida.”

Throughout his career, Hemmen’s primary focus has been upgrading the individual fan experience while also engaging the public at the ballpark and in the local community. Building a reputation of an energetic personality, Hemmen has extensive experience over his career in vendor and partner relationships, marketing, promotions, community relations, media relations and ballpark operations.

Gliner will continue to consult with the Miracle to help the transition going into the upcoming baseball season.

“Steve has done a tremendous job leading the Miracle over the last 13 years,”  Hochberg said. “We wish him well on his new endeavors and are grateful that he will be consulting with us for Spring Training and Miracle season.”

Gliner leaves Fort Myers after originally joining the Miracle in the fall of 2003. During his tenure as General Manager, President and Chief Operating Officer, Gliner guided the Miracle to 12 consecutive years of Florida State League nominations for either the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy for overall team operations (2005, 2006, 2010, 2012) or the Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for excellence in team promotions (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). 

In 2008, Gliner was recognized as the Florida State League Executive of the Year. Under Gliner’s direction in 2015, the Miracle set three attendance records for an all-time single season total mark at 133,817, average per game 2,028 and the single-game record of 9,209 fans on April 10.

Gliner is returning to Hudson Valley after spending 10 seasons with the Renegades from 1994 to 2003.

“I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all of the Miracle fans, sponsors and community partners who have been so supportive of the team during my time here,” Gliner said. “In addition, special thanks go out to Miracle owner Jason Hochberg and to all of our front office and gameday staff who work tirelessly to bring the best experience to every fan who comes to the ballpark.”

“I also want to thank everyone within the Minnesota Twins family for their tremendous support and partnership with the Miracle. I have very much enjoyed by time here in Southwest Florida and I look forward to coming back from time to time to see a game at Hammond Stadium.”