Nate Vander Bleek follows former general manager, Ted Tornow. Tornow was the LumberKings' general manger for almost 25 years, making him the longest serving manager in the team's history.
Vander Bleek has worked with the LumberKings for the past seven seasons. He assisted the team with scoreboard operations, broadcasting, groundskeeping, announcing and anything else that needed to be done.
"Pretty much whatever it is they ask me to do," Vander Bleek said. "It's a small organization where a lot of people are called upon, and I've been very closely shadowing Ted, who is our previous general manger. And I've been following what he does, so it's definetly exciting to get a new challenge that's for sure."
The Clinton native says the fans' experience will remain a top priority. The LumberKings have led the league in attendance since 2021.
"Most important thing, not only the product on the field, but the fan experience as well. So that's going to be my primary goal, especially year one," Vander Bleek said. "Making sure we have a strong organization and a psoitive experience for both our fans and our players. We were named the Prospect League Organization of the Year last season. So obviously there's some very good pieces all around, but I'm looking to build upon that. And, hopefully we can be even better next year."
Vander Bleek hopes to bring home Clinton's first league championship since 1991.