Former councilman named Ballparks of America GM

Scott Bailes brings decades of sports experience to the Ballparks of America role.

Scott Bailes, whose career has taken him from the major leagues and sports marketing to Springfield City Council and restaurant ownership, was named general manager of Ballparks of America in Branson.

The locally owned Ballparks of America organization announced the hire in a joint news release with Clearwater, Florida-based Sports Facilities Management, which was brought on earlier this year as the third-party sports management firm for the Branson attraction.

"I look forward to bringing my expertise to the complex and offering visitors to this national beacon an exceptional experience in baseball," Bailes said in the release.

Under separate ownership, Bobby Sutcliffe previously served as general manager for Ballparks of America.

Bailes, who last year became co-owner of Ebbets Field in Springfield, also is a former professional baseball player, council member and market development manager for the Springfield Cardinals.

Ballparks of America – purchased this year by Springfield businessmen Greg Snider, Paul Satterwhite, Dale Helle and Steve Strobel – simultaneously announced it would start hosting youth games in August.

On nearly 70 acres, Ballparks of America hosts youth baseball tournaments and teams can stay on campus in suites. The venue is known for its five replicas of iconic national stadiums, including Busch Stadium in St. Louis and Fenway Park in Boston.