A group of local business leaders announces the purchase of Florence Freedom and will keep the team at its current stadium. As part of the deal, Freedom Baseball Club, LLC has acquired the professional baseball team from Canterbury Baseball, LLC.
Freedom Baseball Club, LLC is comprised of four general partners – David DelBello, formerly of Procter & Gamble and president of DelBello Holdings; Brian Bortz, president of Towne Building Group; Danny Heilbrunn, owner of DJH Management; and Matt Kappers, managing director at Concordia Financial Group. DelBello will assume the role of chief executive officer of Florence Freedom. Heilbrunn will become vice president of business development. Kappers will serve as CFO and Bortz will serve as vice president of facilities.
“We are thrilled to work with the city of Florence as we continue the tradition of Frontier League baseball in Northern Kentucky,” said DelBello.
Through the acquisition, Florence Freedom will remain at UC Health Stadium, which has a capacity of 4,500. The stadium is owned by the city of Florence.
“The city is excited by Freedom Baseball Club, LLC’s acquisition of our hometown team – the Florence Freedom,” said Florence Mayor Diane Whalen. “Their love and passion for the game is apparent, and we are looking forward to a long-term partnership with them as we learn more about what the future holds for our team and UC Health Stadium.”
Canterbury Baseball, LLC previously was led by Clint Brown, who acquired Florence Freedom in 2004 while the team was in bankruptcy. He and his wife, Kim, played an integral role in helping the team become a successful fixture in the community. Clint passed away unexpectedly in January of 2018, at which time Kim became president of the company. Kim Brown will remain with Freedom Baseball Club to assist in the transition.
“I am excited for the new ownership to carry on Clint’s dream of professional baseball in Florence, Kentucky,” said Kim Brown. “I look forward to working together to continue the team’s great success.”
Florence Freedom is currently in first place in the West Division with a 38-24 record. The team’s next home game is at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at UC Health Stadium. For tickets and more information, visit www.florencefreedom.com.
About Florence Freedom:
The Florence Freedom is a member of the Independent Frontier League and plays all home games at UC Health Stadium located at 7950 Freedom Way in Florence, KY. The Freedom can be found online at florencefreedom.com or by phone at (859) 594-4487.
