BURLINGTON, VT — We are thrilled to announce that former local meteorologist Tom Messner has joined the Vermont Lake Monsters organization as a Minority Partner with the official announcement made by Lake Monsters President & CEO Chris English at a press conference on Wednesday, January 24th. 

“The Lake Monsters hit a grand slam by adding Tom Messner to our team.  It allows us to bring additional local ownership to the franchise, while offering our fans the chance to interact and see Tom at Centennial Field on a larger level,” said C.J. Knudsen, Senior Vice President.  “Tom is not only a big baseball fan, but he brings a plethora of insight, connections, and energy that will bring tons of fun to our fans.”

Messner, best known as NBC5’s smiling chief meteorologist for 31 years, is a local legend in Vermont. He’s appeared on the Today Show, MSNBC, the Weather Channel, and Live with Regis and Kelly and was inducted into the Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016. 

As a lifelong baseball fan, Tom grew up playing Little League, collecting baseball cards, and trading favorite players with his brothers. After retiring from NBC5, Tom made his return to baseball, joining the Lake Monsters as a spokesperson and on-field personality for home games.

“Having spent the last two baseball seasons at Centennial Field seeing the enthusiasm and joy the Lake Monsters bring to their fans, I just had to ask how I could be more involved,” Messner said. “I’m thrilled to be expanding my role with the team as part owner, community ambassador, and chief cheerleader.”

A perennial winner of the Seven Days Readers’ Choice Awards for Best TV Meteorologist, Tom has lent his voice and smile to dozens of community groups over the years, helping to raise funds for Feeding Chittenden, the United Way, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House, the Alzheimer’s Association and Make-a-Wish Foundations.

The Lake Monsters, who will be celebrating the franchise’s 30th year of baseball at historic Centennial, will begin their fourth Futures League season in late May. The 2024 FCBL schedule is set to be released in early February.