Ravori Sports Conversation: Slater Fuchs, Vice President of Attain Sports and General Manager of the Frederick Keys

 

1. Can you tell us about your journey into baseball and sports management?

My journey into sports really began at a young age. I grew up in a family where athletics 

were a major part of life. My father was a Hall of Fame track and field athlete and a two time Olympian, so I was exposed to high-level athletics from an early age. Being around 

sports throughout my childhood helped develop my passion for competition, teamwork, 

and leadership. While I always loved sports, I found myself particularly interested in the business side of 

the industry. I was fascinated by how teams operated, how organizations built relationships 

with sponsors and fans, and how sports franchises became important parts of their 

communities. That interest ultimately led me to pursue a career in sports management. 

My professional career began in baseball with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, where 

I worked in baseball operations. That experience provided me with a strong foundation and 

helped me understand how every department contributes to the success of an 

organization. From there, I transitioned to the business side of sports with the Allen Americans, where I 

worked in ticket sales and corporate partnerships. I then joined the Frisco Fighters as Vice 

President of Corporate Partnership, leading sponsorship initiatives and helping grow the 

organization’s revenue base.                                                                                                                             

    I later became Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Major League Volleyball, where 

I had the opportunity to help build a growing professional sports property at the national 

level. After that, I joined LEARFIELD as General Manager of Red Wolves Sports Properties at 

Arkansas State University, overseeing corporate partnerships across all athletic programs.

Today, I serve as General Manager of the Frederick Keys and Vice President of Attain Sports. 

In those roles, I oversee the business operations of the Frederick Keys while also helping 

oversee the business operations of the Chesapeake Baysox and Aberdeen IronBirds.

When I look back at my career, it feels like I’ve come full circle. I started in baseball, 

explored opportunities across multiple sports and levels of competition, and ultimately 

returned to the sport that first inspired me. Baseball has always been my passion, and I feel 

incredibly fortunate to spend every day working in an industry that has been such an 

important part of my life. Beyond the games themselves, what motivates me is helping 

organizations grow, creating memorable experiences for fans, developing meaningful 

partnerships, and ensuring that our teams continue to have a positive impact on the 

communities we serve.

2. What are your responsibilities as Vice President of Attain Sports and General Manager of the Frederick Keys?

    As Vice President of Attain Sports, my primary responsibilities are overseeing business 

operations of the Frederick Keys, Chesapeake Baysox, and Aberdeen IronBirds. That 

includes working closely with our leadership teams on strategic planning, budgeting, 

sponsorship sales, ticketing, marketing, community relations, staffing, and long-term 

business development initiatives. 

    A major part of my role is helping ensure that all three organizations are aligned in their 

goals while also recognizing that each market is unique and requires a customized 

approach. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the fan experience, grow revenue 

streams, strengthen community relationships, and create sustainable long-term success 

for our teams.

    As General Manager of the Frederick Keys, I am responsible for the day-to-day business 

operations of the franchise. That includes everything from corporate partnerships and 

ticket sales to stadium operations, community engagement, special events, promotions, 

staffing, and overall strategic direction. Ultimately, my job is to make sure that every 

department is working together to create a first-class experience for fans, partners, 

employees, and players.

    What I enjoy most is that no two days are ever the same. One day I may be working on a 

major sponsorship agreement, the next I may be discussing facility improvements, 

planning a community event, or meeting with local business leaders. It is a role that 

requires both long-term vision and daily execution.

3. How has the Orioles’ farm system evolved over the last few years?

    While my role is focused on the business side of the operation rather than player 

development, it is impossible not to notice the tremendous progress the Orioles 

organization has made over the past several years. 

The Orioles have done an outstanding job building one of the strongest player development 

systems in professional baseball. What stands out is their commitment to developing 

talent at every level of the organization. They have invested in scouting, analytics, sports 

science, and player development infrastructure, and the results have been evident.

Over the last several years, Orioles fans have watched a steady pipeline of talented players 

move through the system and reach Baltimore. That consistent development has helped 

create success at the Major League level and has generated tremendous excitement 

throughout the state.

We are extremely fortunate to be associated with such a first-class organization. The 

Orioles have been outstanding partners and share our commitment to providing players 

with the resources they need to succeed while also creating a great experience for fans 

throughout the minor league system.

4. What role do the Chesapeake Baysox and Frederick Keys play in preparing players for Baltimore?

The role of every minor league affiliate is to help players develop into successful Major 

League Baseball players, and both the Chesapeake Baysox and Frederick Keys play an 

important part in that process.

Baseball is unique because development takes time. Players need thousands of repetitions 

both on the field and in the training environment before they are ready to compete at the 

highest level. The minor leagues provide those opportunities. Every game, every at-bat, 

every bullpen session, and every workout is part of a player’s development journey.

At the Frederick Keys level, many players are refining the foundational aspects of their 

game. They are learning how to handle the demands of a full professional season while 

continuing to develop their skills, routines, and mental approach.

At the Chesapeake Baysox level, players are even closer to reaching Baltimore. The 

competition becomes more advanced, expectations increase, and players begin preparing 

for what life will be like at the highest levels of professional baseball.

From an organizational standpoint, our responsibility is to provide an environment where 

player development can thrive. That means maintaining high-quality facilities, creating 

professional training environments, supporting the coaching staff, and ensuring players 

have the resources they need to focus on their development.

The ultimate goal is to help prepare players for success when they reach Camden Yards. 

Every affiliate plays a critical role in that process, and we take great pride in contributing to 

the Orioles’ player development pipeline.

5. What prospects have impressed you the most this season?

    As General Manager of the Frederick Keys, I naturally spend more time following the High-A 

level, and there have been several players who have generated a great deal of excitement 

among our fans.

Some of the players that have stood out include Joseph Dzierwa, Victor Figueroa, Nate 

George, Wehiwa Aloy, Vance Honeycutt, and Ike Irish. These are players show tremendous 

potential and have given fans a glimpse of what the future of Orioles baseball could look 

like.

What makes following prospects so enjoyable is that development is rarely a straight line. 

Fans get the opportunity to watch players grow and improve over the course of a season 

and throughout their careers. Sometimes the most exciting part is watching a player make 

adjustments and take the next step in their development.

The Orioles organization has done a tremendous job assembling talented players 

throughout the system, and there is a lot for fans to be excited about as these young 

players continue their progression.

6. How do you balance player development with creating a great fan experience?

    The reality is that player development and fan experience go hand in hand.

As an affiliated club, we have a responsibility to provide facilities and resources that allow 

players to maximize their development. That means investing in clubhouses, training 

spaces, playing surfaces, technology, and other areas that help players improve and 

prepare for the next level.

    At the same time, my primary focus is on the business side of the operation, and that 

means creating an exceptional experience for our fans every time they visit the ballpark.

Our goal is for fans to feel like they are getting much more than a baseball game. We want a 

night at the ballpark to be an experience. That includes great customer service, family￾                             

friendly entertainment, exciting promotions, quality food and beverage options, community 

engagement, and an atmosphere that people want to come back to again and again.

One of the greatest strengths of Minor League Baseball is its connection to the community. 

Our players, coaches, front office staff, and ownership are deeply connected to the 

communities we serve. We support local nonprofits, schools, youth organizations, 

chambers of commerce, and community events throughout the year.

When fans come to the ballpark, they are supporting more than a baseball team. They are 

supporting a community asset that brings people together. Creating those memories while 

also helping develop future Major League players is what makes Minor League Baseball 

special.

7. What has been the biggest challenge facing Minor League Baseball recently?

        One of the biggest challenges facing Minor League Baseball is continuing to grow 

attendance and engagement in an increasingly competitive entertainment environment. 

Today’s consumers have more entertainment options than ever before. Fans can watch 

games from home, stream content on demand, and access endless entertainment 

choices. Because of that, teams have to continually innovate and provide experiences that 

cannot be replicated elsewhere.

        Another challenge is balancing rising operational costs while maintaining affordability for 

families. One of the greatest strengths of Minor League Baseball is that it remains one of 

the most affordable forms of family entertainment in America. Preserving that accessibility 

while continuing to invest in facilities and fan experiences is incredibly important.

I also think there is a tremendous opportunity. Communities continue to value experiences 

that bring people together, and Minor League Baseball is uniquely positioned to provide 

that. When organizations focus on community engagement, fan experience, and creating 

memorable events, they can continue to thrive for years to come.

8. What are some exciting promotions or events fans can look forward to this year?

        We have an incredible lineup of promotions across all three of our clubs this season. Some 

of the highlights include Star Wars Night in Frederick on June 6 and in Chesapeake on June 

20, both of which are annual fan favorites that consistently draw great crowds. The 

Chesapeake Baysox are also hosing America’s 250th Birthday Kickoff on June 26, Navy Night 

on July 24, and a Dylan Beavers Bobblehead Giveaway on August 9.

In Frederick, fans can look forward to Hockey Night with the Washington Capitals on July 

10, Christmas in July on July 31, Faith Night on August 15, and Fan Appreciation Night on 

August 30. We also have several major fireworks show surrounding Independence Day,

including July 3 and July 5 as part of our celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

In Aberdeen, the IronBirds season begins on June 5 and fans can enjoy an outstanding 

schedule of fireworks nights throughout the summer, including June 5, June 6, June 12, 

June 19, July 3, July 10, July 17, August 1, August 21, and August 21. Fireworks have always 

been one of the most popular attractions at Ripken Stadium, and we’re excited to continue 

that tradition.

One of the things that makes Minor League Baseball so special is that every game offers 

something unique. Whether it’s a fireworks show, a bobblehead giveaway, a specialty 

theme night, or simply an opportunity to watch future Major League talent, our goal is to 

create memorable experiences that bring families and communities together all summer 

long.

9. What advice would you give someone looking to build a career in sports management?

    My biggest piece of advice is simple: network relentlessly and be willing to start wherever 

the opportunity exists.

Sports is an incredibly competitive industry. There are far more people who want to work in 

sports than there are jobs available. Because of that, relationships matter. Building a strong 

professional network can often open doors that a resume alone cannot.

I would also encourage young professionals to be willing to do whatever is needed to gain 

experience. Early in your career, focus on learning rather than titles. Every role teaches 

valuable skills that can help you later.

Work ethic is also critical. The people who succeed in this industry are often the ones who 

consistently show up, take initiative, solve problems, and volunteer for additional 

responsibilities. Sports is not always a traditional nine-to-five career. There are nights, 

weekends, holidays, and long seasons. The people who embrace those challenges often 

create opportunities for themselves.

Finally, be curious. Learn every aspect of the business. Even if you ultimately want to work 

in sponsorships, marketing, operations, ticket sales, or leadership, understanding how 

every department functions will make you a stronger executive in the long run.

10. What should Orioles fans be excited about regarding the future of baseball in Maryland?

Orioles fans should be incredibly excited about the future of baseball in Maryland.

First, the Orioles organization continues to demonstrate a commitment to excellence at 

every level. From ownership and leadership to player development and fan engagement, 

they have built one of the premier organizations in professional baseball.

Second, there is tremendous talent moving through the system. Fans have the opportunity 

to watch future Orioles stars develop right here in Maryland before they reach Baltimore. 

That connection between the Orioles and their affiliates creates a unique experience for 

fans throughout the state.

Beyond the players, there is also significant momentum surrounding baseball as a whole in 

Maryland. The Frederick Keys, Chesapeake Baysox, and Baltimore Orioles each play an 

important role in growing the game, engaging communities, and inspiring the next 

generation of players and fans.

What excites me most is the strength of the entire baseball ecosystem in Maryland. Fans 

can watch top prospects develop in Frederick, continue their progression in Chesapeake, 

and ultimately see them compete in Baltimore. That journey creates a special connection 

between communities and the Orioles organization.

The future is extremely bright. There is outstanding young talent in the pipeline, passionate 

fan bases throughout the state, and a world-class Major League organization leading the way. 

Orioles fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.