HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from April 5.
The Harrisburg Senators have announced that the team has been sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings, an organization that owns and operates minor league clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball.
According to a press release via the Senators' website, the team will continue under its existing leadership of Team President Kevin Kulp, and all current front office staff.
The team will remain as the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, and will continue to play its games at FNB Field on City Island.
Late principal owner, Mark Butler, purchased a majority ownership stake of the Senators in 2014, according to the press release.
The CEO of Ollies Bargain Outlet leaned heavily on Kulp to run the Senators' organization, and Butler unexpectedly passed away on December 1, 2019.
Since that time, the Butler family has continued to operate the Senators, leading to the sale to Diamond Baseball Holdings.
“Mark left an indelible legacy at the Senators through the community-first culture he created and his work with local youth sports and charitable endeavors,” said Kulp, via a press release. “We are so grateful to have benefitted from his leadership; and thank the Butler family for their unwavering support after Mark’s untimely death. While the sale is bittersweet for the Butler family, marking the end of Mark’s tenure with the Harrisburg Senators, the Butler family is thrilled to pass the torch to DBH. DBH will provide long-term stability for the franchise and help write the next chapter of Senators history while building incredible experiences offered at FNB Field.”
“I want to thank the Butler family, along with Kevin Kulp and his team, for their amazing partnership and dedication to the Harrisburg Senators, and ensuring that Mark Butler’s vision lives on,” said City of Harrisburg Mayor, Wanda R.D. Williams, via a release. “Welcoming DBH to Harrisburg ensures that Minor League Baseball will continue to prosper at FNB Field with the dedication, investment and expertise they bring to our community.”
“Mark used his signature combination of passion and community service to connect with the Harrisburg community in a truly unique way,” said Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of DBH, respectively, via a press release. “Kevin and his team have done a fantastic job as stewards of the franchise, elevating the club to one of the best in the Eastern League. We intend to build upon Mark’s legacy by continuing to engage the community and provide the best fan experience at one of the most unique ballparks in the country. We are also encouraged that local ownership will continue as Dan and Michael Schwab, Co-Presidents of D&H Distributing, along with their sister, Amy Silfen, will retain a minority interest in the team.”
The team is scheduled to play tonight at 6:00 p.m. in Altoona against the Curve.