By Gary Bennett
Slater Fuchs (pronounced “fewsh”), 30, is a young man, but has paid his dues in baseball and other sports to reach his current position as general manager of the Frederick Keys.
As the Keys prepare to open their 36th season in Frederick on June 4, I sat down with this married, father of one to understand the job of Minor League Baseball general manager and the person who fills this important role in Frederick.
Since 2021, the Keys have played in the Major League Baseball Draft League, which features amateur players in the first half of the season, then switches to professional players in the second half. The Keys will follow the same format this year.
NO WHEELING AND DEALING
The most important thing to know — and this may surprise some — is that minor league GMs rarely get involved in player personnel like the major league GMs do. Players are typically assigned by the league (as in the case of the MLB Draft League) or are assigned by the major league club (as in the case with teams affiliated with a major league team).
“I’m not directly involved in scouting or signing players or hiring the coaching staff — that process is handled by Major League Baseball and our partners in player development,” Fuchs said. “But, once the players arrive in Frederick, my attention turns to making sure their off-the-field experience is as professional and supportive as possible. I oversee logistics like housing, transportation, clubhouse needs, meals and creating a welcoming, player-friendly environment.”
Aside from the care and feeding of the players, Fuchs’ role is focused on the business and community side of the operation. He works to ensure it runs efficiently, fans have memorable experiences, and that partnerships — which are so important in Minor League Baseball — continue to thrive.
During the off-season, a typical day for Fuchs and his full-time staff of 15 include working on sponsorship renewals, ticketing strategies, promotional schedules, facility upgrades, staffing, budgeting and community outreach programs.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
2025 will be a year devoted to major renovations at Harry Grove Stadium, with the hope of attracting a Major League Baseball parent club. The Keys were an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles before 2020 but were dropped during the Covid pandemic.
The Keys and the city of Frederick recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovations. Thirty-nine million dollars of taxpayer money through the Maryland Stadium Authority will be spent to bring the stadium up to Professional Development League standards, which is necessary to affiliate with MLB again. The target completion date is spring of 2026.
WELL-SEASONED VETERAN
Before joining the Keys in June 2024, Fuchs built a broad foundation across a wide swath of the sports industry. His career began with a baseball operations internship for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.
“This early exposure to the player development side of the game gave me a great appreciation for the inner workings of a successful organization,” Fuchs said.
From there, he expanded his skills to include ticket sales and sponsorships in minor league hockey with the East Coast Hockey League’s Allen (Texas) Americans. He then became Vice President of Corporate Partnerships with the Frisco (Texas) Fighters, an Indoor Football League team.
That experience led to helping to launch the upstart Pro Volleyball Federation as VP of Corporate Partnerships.
“Working to establish a new professional league was an incredible learning experience in entrepreneurship, brand development and strategic planning,” Fuchs said.
Eventually, he moved into the collegiate sports realm as general manager of Arkansas State Sports Properties. In that role, he oversaw corporate partnerships and worked closely with university leadership.
“Each stop along the way has shaped my philosophy and approach as a GM. I’ve had the opportunity to see what makes teams successful from multiple angles, and I carry those lessons with me every day at the Keys.”
Fuchs does not necessarily see himself becoming a major league general manager one day, though he wouldn’t turn it down. Rather, he aspires to become president of an MLB team.
“My passion lies in leading an organization from the business side — shaping its culture, driving its strategic vision, and building something that resonates both on and off the field,” he said.
“HOSTS OF THE PARTY”
During the season, Fuchs’ staff grows from 15 to 150 or more on game days.
“It truly takes a village to pull off 40 home games and community events,” Fuchs said.
Fuchs considers himself a good manager of people and credits his degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University in Texas.
“My studies gave me a strong foundation in understanding people — something that’s been incredibly valuable throughout my career in sports.”
At this level of minor league baseball, Fuchs says the fans are less interested in the quality of the play than the fan experience.
“They want to have a party, and we see ourselves as hosts of the party.”
It’s not all fun and games, though. It can be quite stressful, especially when weather or technology issues throw him a curveball. But he says it’s worth it.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing thousands of fans enjoying a night at the ballpark and knowing my team and I made it happen.”
COUNTDOWN TO GAME TIME
Game days are fast-paced and full of moving pieces. Here’s a general breakdown, according to Fuchs:
• 9 a.m.: Arrive at the ballpark, check in with the stadium operations team, and review game-day checklist.
• 10 a.m.: Coordinate meetings with key department leads — sponsorships, promotions and food service — to ensure all elements are on track.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Finalize promotional materials and review the game script.
• 2 to 4 p.m.: Walk the stadium to check on cleanliness and signage, and set up the VIP areas. Make sure the box office and gate staff are ready.
• 4 to 5:30 p.m.: Prepare for team arrivals, troubleshoot last-minute issues, and greet early arriving fans and sponsors.
• 6 to 9:30 p.m.: During the game, circulate continuously from press box to concourse, checking in with staff, resolving issues, and engaging with fans and partners.
• Post-game: Debrief with operations staff, begin cleanup, and reset plans for next day.
SAFE AT HOME
Though relatively new to Frederick, Fuchs has grown to love it here. He lives downtown and enjoys being part of that vibrant scene when he can. He sees that people genuinely care about their city and how that’s reflected in their support of local businesses, events and the Keys.
“Our relationship with the city has been overwhelmingly positive and continues to grow stronger,” he said. “They truly understand the value we bring to the area and we benefit from their unwavering support.”
As for a favorite Frederick restaurant, Fuchs says that is a tough call because Frederick’s food scene is top-notch, but if he had to choose, Lazy Fish is his go-to place. “They have the best sushi in town, and the atmosphere is always spot-on.”
When Fuchs has a rare day off, he enjoys getting out to Holly Hills Country Club.
“Playing a round of golf there is a great way to unwind, and the community of members makes it even more enjoyable,” he said. “It’s a perfect place to relax, recharge and connect with people outside the ballpark.”
Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.
