Lansing Lugnuts general manager Nick Grueser was named the Midwest League executive of the year Tuesday. Here is information about Grueser and the award, from the Midwest League’s press release:
Grueser presided over a groundbreaking renovation that has drawn international acclaim, strengthened the bond between the Lugnuts and the Lansing community, persevered to execute a resoundingly successful postseason exhibition against Michigan State University, and turned Cooley Law School Stadium into a premier venue for special events in the mid-Michigan community.
He first joined the Lugnuts as a group sales representative in August 2001, working his way to the general manager role in July 2012, and in the process becoming the longest-tenured employee in team history. During the 2016 season, Grueser’s 15th full season in the Midwest League, the Lansing Lugnuts welcomed in their eight millionth fan in August. That fan was one of 311,190 for the year, marking the 21st straight season that the Lugnuts surpassed the 300,000 mark.
The Midwest League Executive of the Year is nominated and selected by the league’s sixteen member clubs. The award is presented to an individual who has had a successful season in the areas of leadership, attendance accomplishments, marketing initiatives, promotions, stadium projects/enhancements, gameday and non-gameday events, community/charity involvement, and overall baseball operations.
The Midwest League also announced its nominees for five prestigious Minor League Baseball awards, which you can read about here.