Fresno Grizzlies President Derek Franks Leaving Club After 22 Years

Franks oversaw major improvements to Chukchansi Park and navigated the team through ownership changes.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Fresno Grizzlies president Derek Franks is leaving the minor league baseball organization after 22 years. Franks started as a ticket office intern and worked his way up to become president in 2018. During his tenure, he oversaw more than $15 million in improvements to the team's stadium and guided the club through two ownership transitions.

Why it matters

Franks' departure marks the end of an era for the Fresno Grizzlies, a cornerstone of the local community. His leadership helped shape the team into a successful minor league franchise, earning five World Series titles for its major league affiliates.

The details

Franks began his career with the Grizzlies as a ticket office intern before working his way up to become president in 2018. During his 22-year tenure, he oversaw more than $15 million in improvements to Chukchansi Park and navigated the team through two ownership transitions.

  • Franks started with the Grizzlies as a ticket office intern.
  • Franks became president of the Grizzlies in 2018.
  • Franks is leaving the Grizzlies organization after 22 years.

The players

Derek Franks

The outgoing president of the Fresno Grizzlies minor league baseball team, who spent 22 years with the organization.

Diamond Baseball Holdings

The current ownership group of the Fresno Grizzlies, which Franks praised for strengthening the team's foundation.

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What they’re saying

“The past 22 years have been a dream come true. I grew up in this organization, and it shaped far more than my career, it shaped my life. I met my wife because of this job. My kids grew up at the ballpark. I've built friendships here in Fresno and throughout Minor League Baseball that I know will last a lifetime.”

— Derek Franks, Outgoing President (kmjnow.com)

“Derek's impact on the Grizzlies and the Central Valley simply cannot be overstated. Over the course of more than two decades, he played a central role in shaping the club into a cornerstone of the community, leading with vision, creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are deeply grateful for his dedication to the Grizzlies and the city of Fresno, and we wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter.”

— Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of Diamond Baseball Holdings (kmjnow.com)

What’s next

The Grizzlies will announce a new General Manager next week.

The takeaway

Franks' departure marks the end of an era for the Fresno Grizzlies, a team he helped shape into a successful minor league franchise and community cornerstone over the past 22 years. His leadership and vision will be missed, but the team is well-positioned for continued success under new ownership.