Fresh Off American League Pennant, Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby Set for RiverDogs’ Hot Stove 

Fresh Off American League Pennant, Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby Set for RiverDogs’ Hot Stove

CHARLESTON, S.C. – An American League pennant. A World Series run. A new chapter for the Tampa Bay Rays. RiverDogs fans will hear about it all from Rays Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby when he headlines the annual Hot Stove event, presented by the Marino Family, on Friday, January 29, 2027.

Coming off of Tampa Bay’s third World Series appearance, Babby will join fans in the Segra Club at Riley Park for an inside look at a memorable season and what comes next for the RiverDogs’ Major League affiliate. The event runs from 6–9 p.m., with media availability from 5–6 p.m.

Named Chief Executive Officer of the Rays in October 2025, Babby joined the organization as part of the ownership group led by Patrick Zalupski. Since his arrival, he has overseen significant reinvestment in the fan experience at Tropicana Field, including renovations to premium seating and hospitality spaces. He has also spearheaded the organization’s pursuit of a long-term ballpark solution through the proposed Rays Forever Home development near Tampa’s Westshore District.

Prior to joining the Rays, Babby founded Fast Forward Sports Group, the Minor League ownership group operating the Akron RubberDucks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. His career also includes 13 years with The Washington Post, where he rose to Chief Revenue Officer of Washington Post Media and General Manager of Washington Post Digital.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ken Babby to Charleston for this year’s Hot Stove event,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Ken has been a tremendous leader in the baseball industry, and we’re excited to give our fans the opportunity to hear from him and share an evening celebrating the game of baseball.”

The annual Hot Stove event brings together baseball fans, community members and local business leaders for an evening celebrating the game. The event will feature an auction and photo opportunities, with proceeds benefiting the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. This year’s event will be hosted in the Segra Club, featuring dinner served by RiverDogs executive chef Josh Shea. Seats are available for purchase – tables of 8 ($1,050 + tax) and individual tickets ($135 + tax) are available at riverdogs.com.

The banquet has become one of the most anticipated offseason events hosted by the RiverDogs, featuring some of the biggest names in baseball, with past speakers including Chipper Jones, Bo Jackson, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs, and Goose Gossage.

About the RiverDogs

The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and three-time Carolina League champions. The RiverDogs play their home games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, a Charleston staple since 1997. Beyond baseball, the RiverDogs host year-round events in the climate-controlled Segra Club.

RiverDogs merchandise is available at the RiverDogs Team Store, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS).