AKRON, Ohio – Prospector Baseball Group has acquired the Akron RubberDucks from Ken Babby, the team announced today.
As part of the deal, PBG also acquired the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the other Minor League Baseball franchise owned by Fast Forward Sports. Babby is principal and founder of Fast Forward Sports Group.
Terms were not disclosed.
The RubberDucks are the Cleveland Guardians’ Class AA affiliate while the Jumbo Shrimp serve as the Class AAA affiliate of the Miami Marlins.
Babby recently assumed the role of chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Rays.
In a joint statement, John Abbamondi and Ben Boyer, co-founders of PBG, praised Babby and said the RubberDucks were “renowned for being one of the best franchises in Minor League Baseball, deeply rooted in the history and unique spirit of the Akron community.”
PBG owns the independent Atlantic League Lancaster Stormers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the company is based.
Babby called the transaction “a bittersweet moment,” and said Prospector Baseball Group “will be worthy stewards of this beloved franchise,” in a statement.
Under Babby’s tutelage, the team changed its name from the Akron Aeros and emphasized a strong fan-focused approach with promotions throughout the season. This year, they announced a naming-rights deal to change the name from Canal Park to 7 17 Credit Union Park. The stadium is city-owned with the team serving as superintendent.
When asked if the RubberDucks’ name would be changed, a team spokesman said it would be “business as usual.”
The RubberDucks open the season Thursday, April 2, against the Reading Fightin Phils.
Related: Canal Park at 25: How a ballpark changed downtown Akron