"Maynard's Musings" Debut...Introductions first!

Hello Mallards Fans...here's the inaugural first pitch!
(photo credit: Jim Addis)

Welcome to the debut of "Maynard's Musings," a blog devoted to YOU the fans, to be updated every Tuesday and Thursday (and sometimes more) that will cover topics such as: Stadium Improvements, Roster & Promotions Updates, Merchandise & Tickets Specials, and the latest breaking news! And, we've learned from your overwhelming votes on the poll question on Mallardsbaseball.com that you're also interested in reading about fun & interesting stories that happen at our office at the "Duck Pond" so we'll be sure to share some of these tidbits as well. (yes, we do work year-round...someone has to plan the numerous promotions, celebrity appearances, and food and ticket specials!)


But before we dive into the latest items to make news, let's detail the Mallards front office members who will be providing insight.

Vern Stenman (General Manager). As you are aware, the Mallards have plans in the works to renovate the "Duck Pond" for the 2009 season, and Vern will be your ultimate source to learn more about all new stadium developments, amongst other things. Thanks to his steady vision and undying passion to give our fans the best possible product both on-and-off the field, Stenman is the rock behind the team's increase in attendance during the past eight years, including back-to-back-to-back 200,000 + attendances from 2006 to '08. When not at the office, Vern can be found chasing around his one year old daughter Chloe Mae, with wife Kallie. (or is it the other way around...?)

Mike Then (Director of Marketing). The "new" guy, Then was hired two weeks ago to head our marketing efforts after having spent the past two seasons as the General Manager for the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Prior to that time, Then worked for the Mankato MoonDogs for four seasons--three as the team's Assistant GM, and one as a Media Relations Intern. Mike will provide insight about his experiences while working in the Northwoods League along with providing details on different promotional ideas we are brainstorming for the '09 season. Then is a graduate of Minnesota State University - Mankato, and is originally from St. Paul, Minn.

John Schmeltzer (Group Sales & Ops. MGR). Schmeltzer has seen it all in his five years with the Mallards and he'll be sure to share stories about the many people he's met and comical situations he's encountered. John helps manage the team's suites and is the driving force behind making these fans' ballpark experiences a pleasant one. If you want a good laugh, John's writings will be a must read! He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, and is originally from Oregon, Wis.

Nick Staehler (Group Sales & Ops. MGR). If a certain piece of Mallards merchandise caught your eye the past three seasons, Staehler is the person to thank. During the Fall and Winter months he's especially busy approving and dissaproving (and dissaproving some more) items in hopes that you'll find our line of clothing and trinkets both cool and useful. Nick also doubles as our manager of Human Resources, and is in charge of scheduling over 250 part-time employees each summer (now there's a task!). He'll provide insight on both of these areas. Staehler is a graduate of UW-Whitewater, and is originally from Kewauskum, Wis.

Liz Kern (Customer Service & Ticket Sales MGR). Tabbed the office "Wonder Woman," Kern is the first face you see upon entering the Mallards ticket office, and is the team's backbone in everything relating to purchasing tickets. She works very hard to provide our fans the highest level of customer service in all of baseball! Liz will provide information on ticket & suite specials, along with ways on how to cope if you're the only female in an office of six males. Kern is a graduate of UW - La Crosse, where she also played softball, and is originally from Beaver Dam, Wis.

Kevin Caloia (Duck Blind & Community Events MGR). Many times when we go out into the community to promote the Mallards the first words uttered out of people's mouths is "ohhh yeah, I've been to the Duck Blind," so you can imagine how difficult of a job Caloia has each year in trying to uphold the great tradition while always improving the Great Dane Duck Blind's overall fan experience. He will teach us how such a thing is to be done. Kevin also doubles as the team's Community Events MGR in trying to promote the Mallards at local schools, churches, festivals, and clubs, to say the least. Caloia is a graduate of UW - Madison, and is originally from St. Charles, Ill.

Jerrad Radocay (Corporate Sales & Media Relations MGR). That's me, and I'll be providing interesting stories about players we've signed for the '09 season along with information about certain promotions and giveaways we have in the works. One of the best parts about my job is in lining up local companies to sponsor giveaway items to help make your overall experience more enjoyable, so I expect plenty of comments from all of you in stating which items you'd like to receive next season. I'm a graduate from Winona State University, and am originally from Watertown, Wis.

David Boyer (Concessions MGR & Rookies Sports Bar GM). Boyer plays a big part in deciding and ordering many of the food items you enjoy at the "Duck Pond" each season, and will be discussing some of the choices we might add to the menu next year. If you've ever had a Glazer Burger at the ballpark (two beef patties in-between two Glazer doughnuts), Dave is the man to thank for that concoction. When he's not at the park, Boyer spends much of his time as the General Manager at Rookies Sports Bar in Mazomanie. He is originally from Oconomowoc, Wis.

So there you have it. For the inside scoop on everything Mallards, be sure to stop back daily to see what's new at the "Duck Pond." I guarantee you'll be surprised...

We'll see you back on Tuesday for the newest installment of "Maynard's Musings!"