New Hampshire Fisher Cats Sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings
MANCHESTER, NH (December 5, 2023) – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats have entered into an agreement to sell the franchise to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select Minor League clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB). The Fisher Cats will continue to play at Delta
MANCHESTER, NH (December 5, 2023) – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats have entered into an agreement to sell the franchise to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select Minor League clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB). The Fisher Cats will continue to play at Delta Dental stadium in Manchester as the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, with all staff remaining in place under the existing leadership of CEO, Rick Brenner, and General Manager, Michael Neis. Tom Silvia, New Hampshire native and one of the club’s current owners, will stay on in an advisory role once the acquisition is complete.
“I want to thank the city of Manchester, Mayor Joyce Craig and the Toronto Blue Jays for their support of this exciting partnership, which will preserve the Minor League Baseball experience in Manchester for the next generation,” said Silvia. “I am delighted to pass the torch to Pat Battle, Peter Freund and the DBH team and am confident the franchise will continue to thrive under their exceptional leadership alongside the amazing Fisher Cats staff.”
“This is an exciting new chapter for our club and the community, and I am elated to join Michael and our staff in welcoming DBH to Manchester,” said Brenner. “We look forward to continued success both on and off the field and many more nights of incredible entertainment at Delta Dental Stadium.”
The Fisher Cats won the Eastern League championship in its inaugural season in 2004 and went on to capture two additional league titles in 2011 and 2018. The franchise has fostered the talent of more than 150 former players to reach the Major League level. The Fisher Cats’ home at Delta Dental Stadium is well known as one of the most scenic ballparks in Minor League Baseball, sitting along the eastern bank of the Merrimack River in Manchester, and recognized as Ballpark Digest’s Double-A Best of the Ballparks. The park was renovated in 2017 and again in 2023 to add upgraded premium seating, a new entrance plaza, a dining area, a stage for live music, upgraded player amenities, and more fan amenities.
“The Toronto Blue Jays would like to thank Tom and the ownership group at DSF Sports Group for their leadership and devotion to our players, staff and the Fisher Cats these past few years,” said Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays. “We are pleased to expand our relationship with DBH and are confident that with their vision and experience, the Fisher Cats will have a vibrant future.”
“We are thrilled to add the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to the DBH family, our second Toronto Blue Jays affiliate and one of the top teams in the Double-A Eastern League,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of Diamond Baseball Holdings, respectively. “We want to thank Tom Silvia, who will remain in an advisory role, for his stewardship of the franchise and we look forward to continuing to build on what is already one of the best fan experiences and Double-A ballparks in all of Minor League Baseball.”
The Fisher Cats are dedicated to supporting local youth sports through their recent partnership with Prospects Athletics, who will operate and continue to run Fisher Cats baseball and softball camps. These camps will serve as an opportunity for children ages 6 to 15 to be able to learn and practice where the professionals play and will take place at a brand-new batting tunnel under construction at Delta Dental Stadium.
Subject to obtaining the consent of the league and satisfying other standard closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed promptly.
About the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play their games at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Over 150 former Fisher Cats have reached the Major League level. The Fisher Cats have raised millions of dollars for various charities through the Fisher Cats Foundation and continuously strive to improve the quality of life for Granite State residents. The organization has been recognized as New Hampshire Business Review’s “Best Sporting Event to Take Clients to”, Parenting New Hampshire Magazine’s “New Hampshire’s Favorite Sporting Event for Families”, and New Hampshire Magazine’s “Best New Hampshire Sports Team”. For more information on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, please visit NHFisherCats.com or call 603-641-2005.
About Diamond Baseball Holdings
Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) was formed in 2021 to support, promote and enhance Minor League Baseball Clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment.
Media Contacts:
New Hampshire Fisher Cats
Michael Neis
Diamond Baseball Holdings
Lauren Flemming