Former Illini gets GM job in minors

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Former Illinois outfielder Brady Ballard was named general manager of the Daytona Cubs of the Florida State League. The minor league baseball team is a Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
Ballard, who played for the Illini in 2000 and 2001, was Daytona’s assistant GM the past four years. He succeeds Bill Papierniak, who left to become GM of a new Class AA Eastern League franchise in Richmond, Va.
Following his graduation from the UI, Ballard played a season of pro baseball with Rockford of the independent Frontier League. The economics major began his front-office career in 2004 with Jacksonville, Fla., of the Class AA Southern League.
In his first season with Daytona, Ballard was part of the front-office staff that won the 2006 Bob Freitas Award, given annually by Baseball America to recognize outstanding minor league operations.
A two-year starter at Illinois, Ballard twice earned All-Big Ten third-team honors. He was the team leader in doubles both seasons and led the 2001 Illini in stolen bases and runs.