MILWAUKEE – Major League Baseball has honored Milwaukee Brewers Senior Vice President of Communications & Affiliate Operations Tyler Barnes with the Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations excellence. The award is presented annually at the Baseball Winter Meetings to a Major League Baseball public relations/communications executive whose ethics, character, dedication and professionalism reflect the highest standards in the industry. Barnes is the first Fishel Award recipient in Brewers history.
“We are thrilled that Tyler is being recognized for his work and commitment to the industry,” said Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger. “Anyone who has had the pleasure to work with Tyler immediately appreciates his sincere dedication, in-depth knowledge and integrity. He is one of the most trusted leaders in the organization and we are proud to have him as part of the Milwaukee Brewers family.”
Barnes completed his 14th season with the Brewers in 2019 and was promoted to his current position in 2017. He directs efforts related to broadcasting, media relations, community relations and publications. The Kansas City native also plays a key role in the Club’s Spring Training operations, including the development of the Brewers’ new facility, American Family Fields of Phoenix. Barnes also oversees the team’s relationship with the Single-A Carolina Mudcats. Prior to joining the Brewers, Barnes spent six years with the Detroit Tigers and five with the Houston Astros in marketing and communications roles. He also worked as chief marketing officer for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Barnes is an active supporter of Open Arms Home for Children in South Africa and serves on the board of Africa On Deck, which promotes children’s participation in baseball in underserved areas of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Trinity College graduate and his wife, Monica, have two sons, Avery and Cole.
“I’m honored to accept this award as it is a reflection of the colleagues I have worked alongside, past and present,” Barnes said. “I want to thank my family and those who have offered opportunity along the way. For the past 14 years, I have worked for what I believe is the best organization in professional sports. Mark Attanasio, Rick Schlesinger and David Stearns provide unparalleled support, and the collection of talent and dedication in the organization is at the very highest level.”
The Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence is a Winter Meetings tradition that dates back to 1981. The annual honor is named for the longtime baseball public relations executive who served the Cleveland Indians, the St. Louis Browns, the New York Yankees and the American League Office. The Award is presented to the active, non-uniformed representative of Major League Baseball whose ethics, character, dedication, service, professionalism and humanitarianism best represent the standards propounded by Robert O. Fishel.
Fishel Award nominees are submitted by the 30 Major League Clubs and league officials. The nominees are voted upon by active past winners and MLB officials. The previous winners of the Fishel Award are:
1981 – Robert O. Fishel, American League
1982 – Robert W. Brown, Baltimore Orioles
1983 – Larry Shenk, Philadelphia Phillies
1984 – Arthur E. (Red) Patterson, California Angels
1985 – Jim Ferguson, Cincinnati Reds
1986 – Fred Claire, Los Angeles Dodgers
1987 – Jim Toomey, St. Louis Cardinals
1988 – Tom Mee, Minnesota Twins
1989 – Donald Davidson, Houston Astros
1990 – Ned Colletti, Chicago Cubs
1991 – Phyllis K. Merhige, American League
1992 –Richard Griffin, Montreal Expos
1993 – John Blake, Texas Rangers
1994 – Katy Feeney, National League
1995 – Howard Starkman, Toronto Blue Jays
1996 – Bill Guilfoile, National Baseball Hall of Fame
1997 – Dick Bresciani, Boston Red Sox
1998 – Jay Horwitz, New York Mets
1999 – Bob DiBiasio, Cleveland Indians
2000 – Tim Mead, Anaheim Angels
2001 – Rob Matwick, Houston Astros
2002 – Mike Swanson, Arizona Diamondbacks
2003 – Rick Vaughn, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
2004 – Jeff Idelson, National Baseball Hall of Fame
2005 – Randy Adamack, Seattle Mariners
2006 – Rob Butcher, Cincinnati Reds
2007 – Richard Levin, Major League Baseball
2008 – Scott Reifert, Chicago White Sox
2009 – Patrick Courtney, Major League Baseball
2010 –Jay Alves, Colorado Rockies
2011 – Jim Trdinich, Pittsburgh Pirates
2012 – Staci Slaughter, San Francisco Giants
2013 – Tim Hevly, Seattle Mariners
2014 – Jason Zillo, New York Yankees
2015 – Brian Bartow, St. Louis Cardinals
2016 – Bart Swain, Cleveland Indians
2017 – Gene Dias, Houston Astros
2018 – Josh Rawitch, Arizona Diamondbacks
