Nats transfer ownership to Mark Lerner

The Washington Nationals named Mark D. Lerner their managing principal owner on Thursday, transferring the role over from his father, Theodore N. Lerner.

Mark Lerner, 64, has served as one of the Nationals’ principal owners since the Lerner family purchased the team in July 2006. Major League Baseball approved his promotion Thursday at its quarterly ownership meeting in New York City.

“Owning a baseball team in my hometown had long been a dream of mine,” said Ted Lerner, 92, in a statement. “Twelve years ago, when Major League Baseball selected my family as the owners of the Washington Nationals, I could not have been happier. I always knew that someday my son, Mark, would take over my role as Managing Principal Owner. That day has come. I look forward to watching him take the helm and help lead this team to a world championship.”

The Nationals have won the National League East four times in the last six years, though they have yet to advance past the division round of the playoffs in their history. Washington enters play Thursday at 37-28, one game back of the Atlanta Braves in the division.

“Baseball has long been my passion,” said Mark Lerner in a statement. “Since being awarded the team in 2006, my family has taken great pride in our fans and this team. We have always strived for excellence both on and off the field. That will not change. Our family will continue to put our fans first and do everything possible to bring a World Series trophy to D.C. It is incredibly special for my mother and father to be able to see me take the helm. And it means so much to me that they chose to make this change now.”

–Field Level Media