Frederick keys – Gary Bennett Publishing

Keys and O’s together again: Owner talks Frederick, Orioles affiliation and refurbished ballpark ahead of home opener

By Gary Bennett

Rendering of aerial shot of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, April 2026.

This article appears in the April 9, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

No one is more excited about the Frederick Keys in 2026 than owner Greg Baroni.

Baroni is credited with bringing the Keys back into the Orioles’ family and driving the public-private partnership between his company, Attain Sports, the City of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority to upgrade Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Together, the partners are overseeing a $39 million renovation that Major League Baseball requires of its minor league affiliates. Chances are you’ve seen the cranes, trucks and workers busily readying the stadium for months.

This season the Keys return as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, a spot they held from their inception in 1989 until 2020. From 2021 to 2025, the Keys played in the MLB Draft League, unaffiliated with any major league club. They will compete in the South Atlantic League this year.

The Keys opened their season April 3 on the road. Their first home game is 7 p.m. April 14 against the Hudson Valley Renegades at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. All fans in attendance on opening night will receive a commemorative rally towel.

The excitement for 2026 is palpable. Headlining the roster is Nate George, the reigning Orioles Minor League Player of the Year who finished with a .337 batting average in 87 games during the 2025 season and now ranks as the top prospect in the Orioles system — with Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers, who previously ranked ahead of him, having graduated to the Baltimore roster. Other prospects to watch include Ike Irish — a versatile 2025 first-round pick who can play catcher, first base and outfield — Vance Honeycutt and left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman.

Keys owner Greg Baroni of Attain Sports.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

Along with the much-anticipated return to the O’s fold, players and fans alike will enjoy a refurbished stadium in 2026. “The improvements will ensure the ballpark meets MLB Professional Development League standards while enhancing the overall experience for players, fans and the broader community,” said Baroni. “The renovations will deliver state-of-the-art facilities that directly support players’ health, preparation and daily experience.”

While many of the upgrades — new clubhouses, batting cages and bullpens — are designed to support player development and were stipulated by Major League Baseball, many others are designed to improve fan experience.

“The reconfiguration of the stadium has allowed us to expand the concourse and rethink how fans move through and enjoy the ballpark. Fans can expect more room to move and gather. Additional seating options include drink rails and flexible social spaces, enhanced hospitality areas for groups and expanded concessions,” said Baroni. The carousel and play area down the right field foul line where kids and parents liked to congregate have been removed, however.

Beginning in 2026, the stadium will not just be used for baseball. Baroni and his team are actively exploring ways to make it a true year-round community asset, even bringing in a full-time staffer with expertise in venue programming to help make that happen.

“Our goal is to include a mix of youth sports, concerts, festivals and other local gatherings that bring people together in different ways throughout the year,” said Baroni. “And this is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing the evolution of the ballpark so it remains a vibrant, year-round destination.”

In an interesting move, Baroni and the Keys are proposing to add signage to the stadium for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24. City council and the mayor must approve the request, which seeks to add the electrical workers’ union logo to the new batting training building on the southern side of the stadium, plainly visible from I-70. Baroni is quick to assure fans that the name of the stadium will not change.

New social seating additions at Harry Grove Stadium.

“The Harry Grove name will absolutely continue. It reflects the history of the ballpark and the land donation that made it possible. We’re very intentional about the partners we bring into the ballpark. Our focus is on organizations that are deeply invested in the Frederick community.” The Nymeo Field moniker, added in 2015, will stick around, too. The city receives a portion of all naming rights revenue since Baroni and his company lease Harry Grove Stadium from the city.

ORIOLES MAGIC AGAIN

The stadium upgrade is exciting, but it probably wouldn’t have happened had Baroni been unsuccessful in getting the Orioles affiliation back in Frederick. Being a minor league affiliate of a major league club brings enormous player development responsibilities, of which no small part is the playing environment and training amenities.

But still, getting the Keys back to their High-A roots took some doing.

Baroni and his company purchased the Aberdeen IronBirds from the Ripken family in 2024. Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., the namesake for the Aberdeen team and stadium, sold his stake in the IronBirds after years of clashes with the city over lease agreements and stadium funding responsibilities. A crucial part of that deal returned the Orioles affiliation to Frederick and swapped the Draft League affiliation to the IronBirds — a move intended to play on Cal Ripken’s well-known emphasis on fundamentals, which the Draft League highlights.

What the move means for Frederick, however, can’t be overstated.

“There’s a deep and longstanding connection between Frederick and the Orioles. At its core, it reconnects Frederick to the future of the Orioles. Fans aren’t just watching a game — they’re following players as they develop, grow and ultimately make their way to Baltimore. That creates a much deeper level of engagement and investment over time,” said Baroni.

It also taps into a strong sense of regional pride. Over the years, Keys fans have watched with pride as Orioles stalwarts like Ben McDonald, Pete Harnisch, Dylan Bundy, Mychal Givens, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Trey Mancini made it to the majors.

The Washington Nationals may have made some inroads, but there’s no denying Frederick is Orioles territory. The Keys’ affiliation with the Orioles lasted from 1989 to 2020, and the loss of that affiliation added insult to COVID injury. But Baroni wants fans to know that if he has his way, the partnership will continue indefinitely. “The new partnership is strong and should endure for many years to come. There is no end in sight!” said Baroni.

To help celebrate the returning partnership, the Keys are also refreshing their brand — though Baroni points out the refresh is only partially due to the Orioles connection. He says it is more about honoring the history of the Keys while positioning the club for the future.

“Part of the refresh is using the ‘Key City’ nickname that will show up on uniforms for selected games and in other fan experiences. It’s a great way to celebrate the community and create something that resonates locally.”

New state of the art batting cages have been added for player development.

BARONI BASICS

Greg Baroni is the CEO and principal general partner of Attain Sports and Entertainment. Through his company, Baroni owns the Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Frederick Keys, the High-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Aberdeen IronBirds; and the Spire City Ghost Hounds, who have been on hiatus the last two years. He also owns the Loudoun United Football Club of the United Soccer League and partners with Evan McKnight Racing to round out his sports portfolio. He has other companies that operate in the education, healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors, but sports is a true love. “I’ve always enjoyed sports and the character it builds — sportsmanship, teamwork and community — and its impact on society.”

He doesn’t necessarily want to add more baseball teams to his portfolio, but if opportunities arise where a property is deeply connected to its community and he feels he can add value, he will take a close look.

Baroni grew up in Los Angeles and has been a lifelong Dodgers fan. However, he has now been a Maryland resident for nearly 40 years and has become passionate about the Orioles. “I have a great deal of respect for the new ownership group, Mike Elias and the club and farm system they are building. There’s a lot of excitement around the team right now and for good reason!”

Baroni gets to as many games as he can during the season. He likes being at the ballpark and spending time with fans, staff and players. He works closely with general manager Slater Fuchs and his leadership team, but makes it a point to get to know the coaches and players, too. “Spending time with them helps me stay connected to their player development needs and the on-field experience so we can better understand how to continuously improve ways to support them.”

With the Orioles looking like contenders again, the Keys back in the Orioles fold and a spiffy renovation enlivening our beloved ballpark, it’s hard to imagine things looking much better in the Key City — at least baseball-wise.

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.

So, you want to be a minor league GM?

By Gary Bennett

Frederick Keys general manager Slater Fuchs at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium

This article appears in the May 27 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment insert.

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.”

Field General: Nymeo Field groundskeeper Mike Dunn

By Gary Bennett

Frederick Keys Head Groundskeeper Mike Dunn

This article appears in the June 6 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment insert.

When the Frederick Keys kick off their 2024 season with their first home game on June 11, a steady hand will be at the tractor wheel, keeping Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in tip-top shape, as he has for years.

Head groundskeeper Mike Dunn is beginning his seventh year with the Keys. He is a 59-year-old married Army veteran with four kids and three grandchildren — and is one of the lucky ones who found his life’s calling. He is not only a master landscaper but counts himself as a big baseball fan, too.

Dunn has 27 years of professional groundskeeping experience. Before joining the Keys, he completed high-profile stints in the Sports Field Division of the Brickman Group at the Cooperstown All Star Village in New York, the Cocoa Beach Sports Field Complex in Florida and in the New York Penn League for a farm team of the Detroit Tigers.

He won the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball’s Ray Cipperly Groundskeeper of the Year Award in 2023 when he served both the Frederick Keys and Spire City Ghost Hounds during 88 home games, more than even Major League Baseball groundskeepers deal with.

The Ghost Hounds will not field a team in 2024, allowing Dunn a more manageable workload. The Keys play in the MLB Draft League and will host 40 home games from June through August. The official season kicks off June 4 with an away game against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening day at Harry Grove Stadium is June 11 against the Trenton Thunder.

The head groundkeeper position is a full-time gig that reports directly to the Keys general manager. Dunn leads a staff of one full-time assistant and a part-time, game-day staff of eight.

A typical game day includes a fresh mowing in the morning followed by a heavy watering of the infield. In the early afternoon, Dunn and his staff set up the field for batting practice. After both teams bat, Dunn preps for the game, which includes dragging the infield, another watering, striping the batter’s boxes and changing out the bases. “Above all, we make sure the field is safe to play on,” he said. “The league insists upon that.”

The work does not stop when the team is out of town. Dunn is at the stadium every day sweating the details, whether a game is scheduled or not. “We cut the grass every day and drag the infield three times a day to move the conditioner around evenly to make sure it is level and there are no bad hops.”

Other responsibilities include edging the infield, spraying for weeds and pests, and completing any repairs to the mound or home plate area as needed. The height and slope of the playing mound and bullpen mounds must be precise. At home plate, Dunn makes sure the batter’s boxes and catcher’s box are level. He also edges the warning track and adds material to the soil as needed.

After the season ends in the fall, Dunn prepares the field for the threat of winter snow. “We do a spray application in November to combat against snow mold,” he said. “The application protects the grass if we get a lot of snow and it sits on the grass for too long. Snow mold disease is very bad for the grass.”

In late February or early March, Dunn begins his preparations for summer baseball. “We concentrate on getting the grass healthy by over-seeding, fertilizing, watering, aerating and top dressing with sand.”

Once the season begins, the Keys have lots of on-field promotions that put stress on the field but nothing that Dunn hasn’t overcome before.

“We have dogs on the field occasionally,” he said. “It can be a problem because dog urine can kill the grass. The Candy Drop and kids running the bases are no problem. Fireworks can be challenging. We always hope the wind is blowing out so the fireworks don’t land on the field. If they do, they need to be picked up quickly, and that can be a long process.”

Dunn’s advice for anyone wishing to get into baseball field management?

“Take pride in the work you do, enjoy what you do, and always have the field looking good and safe for the players. You must want to do this and be willing to put in long hours in all kinds of weather.”

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.

Catch Games in Frederick, MD, Too

The Frederick Keys

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in DayTripper magazine, Spring 2024.

The Keys are back for another exciting season of MLB Draft League baseball. The 2024 season kicks off June 4 at the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening Day at Harry Grove Stadium is June 11 against the Trenton Thunder.

The 2024 schedule can be found at https://www.mlbdraftleague.com/. Ticket prices begin at $9 for general admission and are available at the box office and online at https://www.mlbdradftleague.com/frederick.

Fireworks will be featured after every Friday and Saturday home game, plus the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza will be held Wednesday, July 3, and fireworks are planned for Sunday, Sept. 1.

The Keys will be the only baseball tenant at Harry Gove Stadium this year, as the Spire City Ghost Hounds, part of the South Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball last year, are on a one-year hiatus, with their return slated for 2025.

This is the fourth year of the Keys’ participation in the MLB Draft League. It is a six-team league with a split-season amateur-professional format. The first half features MLB draft-eligible players. The second half switches to a professional format, with paid players comprising the six rosters.