Just one month prior to the start of the 2004 season Derek Sharrer headed north from Charleston, SC. The Saints fourth championship would come just a few months later, but more importantly the stands at Midway Stadium were filled. In his time with the Saints the ballpark has been over 100% each year and the Saints have ranked first or second in attendance including a franchise record 103% in 2008.

Upon beginning his career in Fort Myers, FL with the Goldklang Groups Florida State League franchise, the Whiteland, IN native rose through the ranks of the Miracle quickly, ascending to the GM’s chair in 1997. As part of the job there, he worked extensively with the Miracle’s parent team – the Minnesota Twins – during spring training. The Miracle has consistently bucked the trend of poor Florida State League attendance and has led in that department now for several years.

In 2001, he moved to Charleston, SC. The RiverDogs, a Tampa Bay affiliate at the time (they are currently linked with the Yankees) in the Class A South Atlantic League, set attendance records every year Sharrer was there. With the help of such interesting promotions as Nobody Night (when fans weren’t allowed into the ballpark until it was an official game), the Riverdogs drew a team record 259,007 fans in 2003. Charleston mayor Joe Riley thought so much of Sharrer that he helped organize a special day in his honor before he left to join the Saints.

The days in St. Paul have been just as magical, leading a staff that has come up with promotional ideas that have gained national attention. Everything from Bud Selig ties to the Michael Vick Chew Toy to the incredible Bobblefoot in 2008.

“St. Paul is a special place to live and work – particularly if work in minor league baseball,” Sharrer said. “The Saints’ tradition – thanks primarily to our fans – was established long before I arrived. I’m just thrilled to be a continuing part of it.”

Sharrer resides in Woodbury with his wife Kandice, sons Sullivan (6) and Lawson (4). “My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our first two years here,” he said. “We are looking forward to many more years to come.”