Melissa Ross
In the ultimate generational passing of the torch, 35-year-old Ken Babby has assumed control of the Jacksonville Suns from the storied Bragan family, taking ownership after the 2015 season and planning what he says will be a millennial’s approach to freshening up the fun at the ballpark.
The divorced dad of a 7-year old son, Babby is a sports fanatic who used to run the digital operation for the Washington Post. He first got into minor league ball when he bought the Double-A franchise in Akron, Ohio in 2012.
But taking over for Peter Bragan, Jr. and his family in Florida, says Babby, is literally a different ballgame.
“I’m following a great legacy,” Babby told Florida Politics. “This is a much bigger market than Akron, and the absence of a major league baseball team really presents a great opportunity.”
When the new season kicks off April 7th of 2016, Babby says to expect an increased emphasis on family-friendly activities, even more of a party atmosphere, and a coordinated approach to working with city officials on driving excitement to Jacksonville’s urban core.
“We’ll have home games 71 nights a year, plus other attractions – movie nights, craft beer nights,” he said. “I’ve already meet with the Downtown Investment Authority to discuss how we can grow this vibrancy that’s happening in the city.”
Under the Bragans, the Suns ballpark had a staff of about 17, Babby says. He’s beefing that up to 40.
“Were going to increase staff, ticket sales, and excitement.”
