According to a press release from the company, Ballengee Group has hired former MLB front office executive Matt Vinnola as its Director of Operations. Vinnola joins the agency after most recently serving as the Texas Rangers’ Director of Baseball Operations.
During his time with the Rangers, the club appeared in two World Series and won four American League West Division titles on the field. Off the field, Vinnola was responsible for negotiating several large player contracts and led the team’s arbitration department. Additionally, he was involved in the financial aspects of the club.
Prior to his time in Arlington, Vinnola worked in business operations, baseball operations and professional scouting with the Colorado Rockies.
“Having Matt come on board is exciting for us. Bringing someone on in an executive role with his executive role with his extensive background in baseball operations and arbitration improves our organization immediately,” said Alex Ballengee of the Vinolla hire.
The Dallas-based full-service agency represents a roster of MLB players that includes Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart, Braves infielder Charlie Culberson and White Sox catcher and All-Star James McCann. In addition to its baseball roster, the agency has a MMA division that represents fighters such as Tony Ferguson, Eddie Alvarez, Aljamain Sterling and Joanna Jedrzejcyzk.
In March of this year, the agency acquired New Orleans-based football agency Fischman and Wiltz. The acquisition brought an extensive roster of NFL players including Seahawks cornerback Parry Nickerson and Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage.