Algoma native Ryan Moede is set to become the fifth general manager in Wisconsin Timber Rattlers history.
Moede, who joined the Timber Rattlers organization in 2010, will take over day-to-day operations from team president and general manager Rob Zerjav. Zerjav will step back from his current responsibilities but remain president of the organization.
Zerjav joined the Timber Rattlers front office in 1997 and became president and general manager following the 2002 season. Under his leadership, the team has experienced significant growth in attendance and revenue, established an affiliation with the Milwaukee Brewers and transformed its ballpark into a year-round, state-of-the-art venue.
"I am excited to announce this transition plan as it has been, in a sense, years in the making," Zerjav said. "I have the utmost confidence in Ryan and the rest of our team to continue to provide the wonderful experience at the ballpark that our fans have come to expect."
Zerjav has earned five executive of the year honors, including Midwest League Executive of the Year in 2007, 2012 and 2018; Baseball America's Executive of the Year in 2023; and Minor League Baseball's High-A Executive of the Year in 2025.
Moede, a University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduate, joined the Timber Rattlers as box office manager in 2010 after working for the Sacramento River Cats. He later served as director of tickets through 2016 before becoming general manager of the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders of the Northwoods League.
Moede led the Dock Spiders from 2016 to 2020, earning Northwoods League Executive of the Year honors in 2018, the same season the team captured its first league championship.
He returned to the Timber Rattlers in 2020 as vice president of business operations, helping the organization achieve new heights in sponsorships, merchandise and ticket sales.
"I'm incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as General Manager of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers," Moede said. "I've been fortunate to learn from Rob for many years, and I can't thank him enough for his mentorship, leadership, and the trust he has placed in me."
Moede currently lives in Greenleaf with his wife, Amanda, and their daughters, Larkin and Piper.
The Timber Rattlers have received numerous organizational honors under Zerjav, including the National Larry MacPhail Award for promotional excellence in 2012 and Baseball America's Freitas Award as the Single-A Minor League Organization of the Year in 2022.
The organization also received Minor League Baseball's Golden Bobblehead Awards for Theme Night of the Year and Promotion of the Year in 2019 for its Wisconsin Udder Tuggers alternate identity.
In addition to remaining president of the Timber Rattlers and assisting Diamond Baseball Holdings with other projects, Zerjav plans to focus more attention on the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, which he owns with his wife.
"Our goal for 2027 and beyond is to create lasting memories at the ballpark, be a great community partner, and provide an experience that is second-to-none in Northeast Wisconsin for our fans," Moede said.
The Timber Rattlers will open their 2027 home schedule against the Beloit Sky Carp at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday, April 6.
