Shorebirds GM to Speak on March 12th

Rotary Logo

The Rotary Club of Salisbury is pleased to welcome to its Thursday, March 12 meeting Chris Bitters, General Manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds.  He will speak on the upcoming Shorebirds baseball season, the team’s history, outlook and impact on the community, and the continuing improvements to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Bitters, the 2019 South Atlantic League General Manger of the year, has been the GM of the Delmarva Shorebirds since November of 2006. Under his guidance, the Shorebirds have cemented their status as a key part of the Delmarva community and a valuable member of the Baltimore Orioles minor league baseball system.

The Shorebirds, as a whole, have seen many improvements during his tenure, including many stadium enhancements, the establishment of the Shorebirds Community Fund, a team identity overhaul in 2010, and more recently, a 20-year lease extension between the team and Wicomico County that will keep the team in Salisbury for years to come, while also bringing $4.25 million in improvements to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Bitters also played a key part in bringing the 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game to the shore. The successful event featured future MLB superstars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, while also raising over 250,000 meal equivalents as a part of Perdue’s Strike Out Hunger initiative.

Prior to joining the Shorebirds, he served as the Vice President & General Manager of the Bakersfield Blaze of the California League during the 2005 and 2006 Seasons. During his tenure in Bakersfield, the team saw a 200% increase in Group Sales, expanded food and beverage menu offerings, and completed several stadium upgrades for the fans and players.

Bitters began his baseball career with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League in the fall of 1999 as the Group Sales Manager. In 2001, he was promoted to Director of Operations. After the 2002 Season, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager. During his time with the Quakes, Bitters helped oversee the installation of a new video board, new stadium sound system, expanded picnic areas, updated luxury suites and a new logo.

Outside of running the Shorebirds, he is very active in the Delmarva community having served as a Board Member for the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and he is an active member in the Wicomico Rotary Club. In 2012, Bitters was named Rotarian of the Year for his work with the club and our community. He also dedicates many hours each year to assist other community groups both through the Shorebirds and through his family life.

A native of Southern California, Bitters and his wife, Melissa reside in Delmar with their two daughters, Hailey and Emily.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury meets every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Rotary Scout and Community Center at 1715 Riverside Drive in Salisbury.  To learn more about the Rotary Club of Salisbury or to obtain membership information, please contact Membership Chairman Ginnie Malone at 410-251-6188 or GMalone@cbmove.com or visit the club’s website at www.rotarysalisbury.org.