The team’s new owners say that “Affordable Family Fun” will remain crucial to its mission to the community.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have a new owner.
The Jumbo Shrimp announced Tuesday that following approval by the MLB, Prospector Baseball Group (PBG) has acquired the team from Fast Forward Sports Group.
In a joint statement, co-founders of PBG John Abbamondi and Ben Boyer say they are welcoming “one of the most vibrant franchises in Minor League Baseball.”
“We are grateful to Ken Babby and his partners for their leadership and honored to have the opportunity to build upon their success,” the co-founders said. “We believe in providing an exceptional, accessible game day experience at VyStar Ballpark, and we are equally excited for the Jumbo Shrimp to be a catalyst for the future growth of Downtown Jacksonville.”
As part of the acquisition, PBG will also receive ownership of the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, the Akron RubberDucks.
Abbamondi says that both teams will be operated with a “distinctly local touch.”
“We truly believe that a ballpark is the heartbeat of any community—a gathering place where families, friends, and fans of all ages come together to enjoy life to the fullest,” Abbamondi said. “In both Akron and Jacksonville, that belief will inspire us on a daily basis in the years ahead.”
Ken Babby, founder of Fast Forward Sports Group and CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays, describes the moment as “bittersweet.”
“This is a bittersweet moment for me and for our family, but we also couldn’t be more excited about the future of Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball,” Babby said. “We were very careful in selecting Prospector Baseball Group as the new owner of Jumbo Shrimp, and there is no question John and his team will be worthy stewards of this beloved franchise, bringing the passion, integrity and commitment that this community deserves.”