PRESS RELEASE – The Charlotte Stone Crabs are officially under new ownership as the sale of the team from Ripken Baseball to the CBI group, Caribbean Baseball Initiative, has been approved by Major League Baseball and all appropriate parties. CBI, led by Lou Schwechheimer has taken over the majority ownership of the organization.
There will be a press conference to introduce Lou Schwechheimer, Jordan Kobritz and the CBI group on Wednesday, January 13, at 10 a.m. at Charlotte Sports Park.
“I want to congratulate Lou Schwechheimer and his CBI team on their purchase of the Charlotte Stone Crabs,” said Charlotte County Commissioner, Bill Truex. “I look forward to working with the new owners and their outstanding local staff to build on the success the team has had since moving to Charlotte County.”
Schwechheimer has spent over 30 years in baseball, beginning as an unpaid student intern with the Boston Red Sox in 1978. Throughout his time he moved his way up to General Manager of the Pawtucket Red Sox and eventually became a minority owner and Chief Operating Officer of the team.
Lou and the PawSox have been recognized with virtually every national team and individual team award in Minor League baseball including The John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, presented annually to the club best exemplifying the standards of a complete baseball franchise; The Baseball America Bob Freitas Award, presented annually to the Triple-A organization which demonstrates long-standing excellence of operations in the ballpark and front office; and the John Henry Moss Award for Community Service, presented to a Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry.
Jordan is the former owner of two Minor League Baseball teams, the Maine Guides in the International League and the Daytona Cubs in the Florida State League. He is an investor in CBI and an advisor to the organization.
Throughout negotiations CBI has been very positive in keeping the Stone Crabs in Port Charlotte. “Working with Mr. Schwechheimer and his partner Mr. Jordan Kobritz throughout the negotiations with Ripken Baseball, I’ve been impressed by their professionalism and their long-term commitment to Charlotte County,” said Charlotte County Administrator Ray Sandrock. “We’re fortunate to have an ownership group deeply respected in the baseball industry and so enthusiastic about the team’s future here.”
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