Schnur

The Butler BlueSox have named Dess Schnur the franchise’s Director of Community Relations.

Schnur, 71, had served as Director of Stadium Operations at Pullman Park for the past five years. He has been involved in Butler County baseball for more than 60 years, including a 24-year stint as manager of the East Butler American Legion baseball team.

“We’re thrilled to have Dess on board officially,” said William “Wink” Robinson, one of the BlueSox owners. “He’s well known throughout the county and has plenty of contacts.

“Even though we ask for no time commitment from him, we know he’ll put his full heart into this.”

The position is a newly created one for Schnur.

“They called me and I’m more than willing to help out,” Schnur said. “I’ve always felt like I was part of the BlueSox. Now I guess this makes it official.

“When (original owner) Leo Tritsch brought the team here, he knew no one. I worked behind the scenes with him, introducing him to people and providing leads for him. It feels good to be involved.”

Schnur said he wasn’t ready to “totally remove myself from baseball and I’ve got plenty of flexibility in this role.”

Schnur will visit schools and talk to PTO organizations about group packages to attend BlueSox games. Robinson said he will have some sales responsibilities with the organization.

“We’ve talked about bringing Dess on board in this type of capacity for a long time,” Robinson said. “He never had the time availability until now.

“This is just adding another branch to the tree. It’s a logical move for us and a logical match for Dess.”

Putting more people in the stands on game nights is Schnur’s primary goal.

“I want to get the word out county-wide about this team,” he said. “I want to create maximum opportunities for kids to get in there and see a ball game.

“Get the maximum people down there on game nights and see that whole (BlueSox) experience enhanced. That’s what I want to do.”

The BlueSox will play 30 games at Kelly Automotive Park — formerly Pullman Park — this season. The first home game is May 29 against the West Virginia Miners.