The Bisons’ season may have come to close but the team is still high on the International League’s radar. Most recently, the League announced that Buffalo Bisons General Manager Mike Buczkowski was elected as the 2019 Dave Rosenfield “Executive of the Year.” The award, voted on by general managers and club officials from the IL’s 14 teams, is a sign of Mike’s leadership among the league.
Mike joined Rich Baseball Operations 30 years ago as a PR assistant and just completed his 26th season as the Buffalo Bisons general manager, the longest tenure of any GM in the 135-year history of the franchise. Under Mike’s leadership, the Bisons have led the league in attendance seven times and have drawn more than 500,000 fans annually since Mike was promoted to Assistant GM in 1994.
“Bucz is a true ‘baseball guy’ with a passion for the hospitality side of the game and the art of customer service, as well,” said Mindy Rich, President, Rich Entertainment Group. “We are a far better club because of his leadership.”
Mike continually seeks opportunities to grow and strengthen the Bisons’ brand. This season alone, the Bisons celebrated new naming rights for the downtown ballpark and new records in sponsorship and group ticket sales. Mike lives and breathes REG’s commitment to delivering affordable, family-friendly entertainment in a safe and clean environment.
Prior to this past season, Mike was promoted to the role of President of Rich Baseball Operations and began overseeing operations of the Bisons, the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Single-A West Virginia Black Bears. Combined, the teams welcomed 866,416 fans to their ballparks in 2019.
“Mike continues to be a valued, highly respected leader in the International League boardroom and I am thrilled that his colleagues have honored him with this well-deserved recognition,” said Randy Mobley, President, International League.
The league will present Mike with the official award at this year’s Baseball Winter Meetings in December.