GARY, Ind. — The Gary SouthShore RailCats announced today that Director of Broadcasting Andy Viano has added the title of Director of Media Relations.

Viano rejoined the RailCats in May 2008 as the Director of Broadcasting, serving as the primary play-by-play voice for the 2008 season in addition to coordinating the RailCats’ radio and Internet broadcasts.  In his additional role, Viano will serve as the main media relations contact for the RailCats, producing press releases and the team’s official media guide, assisting in the production of the RailCats’ game day program and scorecard, coordinating all game day media operations and maintaining the RailCats’ official website, www.railcatsbaseball.com.

“We are excited to have Andy with the RailCats in this new role,” RailCats President and General Manager Roger Wexelberg said.  “He has been a tremendous asset to this organization and has the passion and skills necessary to excel in this position.”

Viano first joined the RailCats in 2004 as a media intern, remaining with the team and serving as the secondary play-by-play broadcaster on a part-time basis from 2004-06.  Following his graduation from Valparaiso University in May 2005, Viano worked as the Assistant Director of Sports Media Relations at his alma mater for 15 months before taking over as the Director of Sports Information at Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y.

“I am thrilled to be with an outstanding organization like the RailCats,” Viano said.  “I look forward to another great season in 2009, and I owe a great deal of gratitude to [RailCats owner] Pat Salvi, Roger and [former RailCats Vice President & General Manager] Bill Terlecky for giving me this opportunity.”

Viano replaces Aaron Pineda, who has resigned to pursue other opportunities.  Pineda had been with the RailCats since 2003, taking over as Director of Media Relations in 2008.