LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS ACQUIRED BY LOCAL INVESTOR GROUP
A local investor group led by former CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Len Komoroski, and investor, entrepreneur, and Howley Foundation Chairman Nick Howley, has agreed to acquire the Frontier League's Lake Erie Crushers from Tom and Jacqueline Kramig, who have owned the team since 2015. Komoroski will assume the role of Chairman and Howley will be Vice Chairman alongside new ownership that consists of several local Northeast Ohio-based personal investors including Mike Howley, Nic Barlage, Mike Levy, and Vic Gregovits.
"We are proud to have the opportunity to usher in a new era of Crushers baseball," said Lake Erie Crushers Chairman Len Komoroski. "Tom Kramig and his family have been fantastic stewards of this franchise for nearly a decade, and we are excited to build upon their legacy and continue to grow the impact that this team and ballpark has on the City of Avon, Lorain County, and the entire west side of Cleveland."
Komoroski continued, "This group is committed to investing in this team and ballpark, which we see as an incredible source of year-round entertainment and an important community asset with immense untapped potential. Working alongside Mayor Jensen, and all of our community and civic partners, we look forward to creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where families, friends, and fans can come together to enjoy not just baseball, but a wide range of events and activities throughout the year."
"This is a monumental moment for the Howley family," said Lake Erie Crushers Vice Chairman Nick Howley. "We see this investment as another opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Giving back has always been important to us, and we are eager to continue doing so through the Lake Erie Crushers platform."
"Today marks an exciting new chapter for the City of Avon as we welcome in the new ownership of the Crushers," said City of Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen. "This group brings a track record of success in sports and entertainment. The Crushers are a source of pride in our community, and I am excited for a future that promises more memorable moments, enhanced family experiences, and a deeper connection to the fabric of life in Avon."
In addition to being part of the investment group, Gregovits will be taking on the role of Crusher's President after most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Global Sales for the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Co. in Canton. In this role, Gregovits will oversee all business and baseball areas of the Crushers organization.
"I have spent a good portion of my adult life establishing and promoting both major and minor league baseball, and the Avon area has been my home for nearly twenty years," said Lake Erie Crushers President, Vic Gregovits. "This is an ownership group that is not only local, but has decades of experience in sports and entertainment and knows how to get the best out of teams and venues. We are committed to creating a best-in-class fan experience, activating the ballpark, building strong community relationships, and ensuring the team has continued success both on and off the field."
The Frontier League approved the transfer of ownership of the team before the completion of the acquisition.
"We are thrilled with the new ownership of the Crushers and excited about what they bring to the Frontier League," said Frontier League Commissioner, Steve Tahsler. "Northeast Ohio has an unadulterated love for their sports teams, and the Crushers are no exception. We look forward to their continued success on the field, and witnessing the positive impact this new ownership group will undoubtedly have on the fans and community in that area."
The Crushers open the 2024 home schedule on May 10th versus the Gateway Grizzlies, the first of 48 games to be played at the ballpark in Avon this season. For ticketing and sponsorship inquiries, visit www.lakeeriecrushers.com.
