Flyers lose GM to Arizona

Two months before the start of their 12th Northern League season, the Schaumburg Flyers have lost their general manager.

Ben Burke, who has helped run the Flyers for the past two seasons, is leaving for a job in Scottsdale, Ariz., as the general manager of baseball complex that will be used by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

Flyers owner and managing partner Richard Ehrenreich said the organization has people in place to handle Burke's duties.

"Ben had a wonderful career opportunity in Arizona, and we wish him all the best. We're always happy to see our people advance in their careers," Ehrenreich said in a statement. "Our current staff includes Scott Boor, Aaron Studebaker, and Bill Foss, who collectively have 30 years experience in the sports and entertainment business, so our front office leadership remains very strong heading into the 2010 season. Field Manager Mike Busch is also returning on the field, so we're looking forward to our best year ever both on and off the field."

The Arizona facility, which will open in January 2011, will be similar to the one the White Sox and Dodgers opened in Glendale. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Spring Training Complex will include a 13,000 capacity ballpark, 12 practice fields and office buildings that will include major and minor league clubhouses, training facilities, and offices for the Diamondbacks and Rockies.

Burke first join the Flyers in 2002 as an assistant general manager, leaving in 2007 before returning as GM in May 2008. Last season he helped draw a record crowd of 8,918 to Alexian Field for a Battle of the Sexes softball game between the Chicago Bandits of the NPF league, and the Flyers.

The Flyers open the Northern League season on May 20, with the first home game at Alexian Field on May 25.