TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard announced the hiring of Ken Brown as the Director of Baseball Operations for the Crimson Tide. A member of the UA baseball team in 2005 and 2006, Brown returns to Tuscaloosa after spending the last three seasons in scouting and player development in Major League Baseball.
“With the background and experience that Ken was able to gather in Major League baseball, both in the front office and as an area scout, he brings a lot to the table for us,” said Gaspard. “This is a real opportunity for us to advance our position administratively. Ken is very intelligent and will help our baseball program grow, not only on the field, but also from an administrative stand point.”
In his most recent position, Brown was the Area Scout for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim since November of 2010. In his role with the Angels, his scouting area included Alabama, Mississippi, West Tennessee and Arkansas. Additionally, he assisted with front office baseball operations, gaining experience in Major League Administration including; waivers, dates and trades, served as a player development intern and assisted with day-to-day operations of a Major League facility.
From Feb. 2010 through Nov. 2010, he worked in the Texas Rangers organization, helping with amateur and professional scouting. In addition, he assisted with 40-man roster management, MLB Advanced Scoring reports and in arbitration processes.
Brown also completed the Washington Nationals Baseball Operations Diversity Internship Program (2009) and a season-long internship in the Minor League Operations Department with the New York Mets (2009). In his role with the Mets, he assisted in all facets of player development and assisted with International Operations.
“Ken was here as a player in a very successful era and was here in 2006 when the team went to the Super Regionals, so he understands what it takes to win,” said Gaspard. “It’s always important to have people around you that understand the University of Alabama, its history and tradition, and also what it takes to be a champion here.”
Brown earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in human environmental sciences in 2005. He was a two-time selection to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and received UA’s Distinguished Minority Student-Athlete Award in 2005. Brown continued his education at Alabama, completing a master’s degree in consumer management in 2008.
Brown replaces Drew French, who worked as the Director of Baseball Operations for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. French accepted a position as the pitching coach at Florida International University in August.
