On Tuesday the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks announced the team’s new General Manager. They promoted from within the organization and elevated Karl Hoium to the role of GM.
Hoium is replacing Matt Rau who had previously served as the franchises GM from 2018 until the beginning of the 2023 season. Rau supported the decision to step away from the team and have Hoium take over in the role.
After the announcement, Hoium said he was “excited” and “thankful” that ownership gave him an opportunity to fill the GM role for the RedHawks.
RedHawks President and CEO Brad Thom had high praise for Hoium saying, “Karl is the perfect fit for this position and we are excited for what’s to come,” Thom continued, “He has had many roles here during his 16-years with the team and I’m confident he will do a great job as GM.”
The upcoming season will be the 29th season of professional independent baseball at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo. The RedHawks have won six league championships, most recently in 2022.
Hoium is now the sixth GM in franchise history. He has been with the organization since 2008 serving in a variety of roles, most recently as VP and Director of Promotions.
A full statement from Matt Rau was released:
“As most do not know, following the opening series of the 2023 season, I began suffering from both physical and mental exhaustion. This has taken the form of intense, debilitating anxiety and panic attacks that my medical team and I are still working to control. The good news is, progress is being made, however I’m not currently able to perform the role of general manager to the level I expect of myself or the expectations of the organization, so a change needs to be made.
I am grateful for all the years I have spent with the RedHawks. Not just in this role, but as a Northside kid watching opening night at Jack Williams, a member of the grounds crew dancing with Myron Noodleman, navigating through a Pandemic and finishing by handing out 2022 Championship Rings. From trash cans to trophies, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thank you to all the players, coaches, corporate partners, staff, host families, opposing teams, umpires, league administrators, owners and fans for letting me have the wheel for a while. Remember, Physical Health and Mental Health are two sides of the same coin, so make sure you are taking care of both.
I look forward to seeing you at the ballpark and taking in a game as a fan, just like it all started.”