The Frederick Keys named Branden McGee general manager effective Oct. 1, 2026, following a franchise-record season and the organization’s return to Baltimore Orioles affiliation. McGee succeeds Slater Fuchs, who was elevated to executive vice president of Attain Sports and will oversee business operations for the Chesapeake Baysox, Frederick Keys and Aberdeen IronBirds.
The Frederick Keys won a franchise-record 83 regular-season games in 2026. The team captured both halves of the South Atlantic League North Division and secured its first playoff berth since 2017.
Branden McGee Takes Over Frederick Keys Baseball Operations
McGee first joined the Frederick Keys organization in 2006 as a sponsorship sales account manager and later rose to assistant general manager. He then spent nearly eight years at Flying Dog Brewery, where he became director of sales and stadium accounts.
McGee returned to the Keys in 2022 as director of marketing. He became senior director of community and operations in 2024 and managing director in February 2025. McGee began his career with the Baltimore Ravens in stadium operations.
“Branden has dedicated nearly two decades to the Keys and the Frederick community, and there is no one better prepared to lead the organization forward,” said Slater Fuchs, executive vice president of Attain Sports. “He understands this organization, this ballpark, and the Frederick community as well as anyone. What Branden and our staff accomplished this year, from bringing back affiliated baseball to opening a transformed ballpark and delivering a franchise-record season, speaks for itself. I’m confident the best is still ahead.”
Nymeo Field Renovation Completed During 2026 Season
The 2026 season marked the completion of a renovation at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The City of Frederick, the Maryland Stadium Authority and Attain Sports completed the project through a partnership.
The renovation added expanded concourses, flexible seating areas, new hospitality spaces, new home and visiting clubhouses, and a 10,000-square-foot player performance center. The work coincided with the Frederick Keys’ first season back in affiliated baseball as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
“Frederick is home, and the Keys have been part of my life for twenty years,” said McGee. “Bringing affiliated baseball back to a renovated Nymeo Field meant a great deal to this community, and the way our fans responded showed exactly why. Winning both halves and reaching the postseason for the first time since 2017 gave this city something to be proud of. My focus now is building on that by continuing to improve the experience at the ballpark, deepening our partnerships across Frederick County, and giving families a reason to keep coming back.”
Slater Fuchs Elevated at Attain Sports
Fuchs joined Attain Sports in 2024 and served as general manager of the Frederick Keys before moving into his new role. As executive vice president, he will oversee business operations across the Chesapeake Baysox, Frederick Keys and Aberdeen IronBirds.
The Chesapeake Baysox are the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, while the Frederick Keys are the High-A affiliate. The Aberdeen IronBirds are members of the MLB Draft League.
Frederick Keys Set 2027 Home Opener
The Frederick Keys will open the 2027 season at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium on Friday, April 2, against the Brooklyn Cyclones. The 2027 schedule includes 66 home games and will mark the Frederick Keys’ second season back as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
McGee’s promotion gives the Frederick Keys a general manager with nearly two decades of experience in the organization and a documented background in business, community and operations roles. His appointment follows a 2026 season in which the Keys set a franchise record with 83 regular-season wins, won both halves of their division and returned to the playoffs.
Fuchs’ promotion expands his responsibilities across Attain Sports’ three baseball properties. The leadership changes come as the Frederick Keys prepare for their second season back as the Baltimore Orioles’ High-A affiliate and their first full season following the renovation of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.
Source: Original report
