Hensville: A New Downtown Toledo Destination

Joseph D. Napoli

President & CEO, Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club, Toledo Walleye Hockey Club and Hensville

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Joe graduated from St. John’s University in New York City.  Upon graduation, he joined Manufacturer’s Hanover Trust in New York City.  After a brief career in banking, Joe’s twenty-five year career in sports began in Canton Ohio, with the Canton Indians.  In the early 90’s, he moved to Toledo to work for the Toledo Mud Hens before spending several years working for the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Tigers.  Joe returned to Toledo to embark on the development of Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo.  Years later, a second opportunity presented itself, and he became part of the development team for the Toledo Walleye and Huntington Center.  In 2012, the Hens initiated efforts to begin the downtown Toledo re-development of three historic buildings and park space which will become known as “Hensville.”

According to Nielsen Scarborough Research, the Hens and Walleye continue to rank amongst the most popular franchises in Major and Minor League sports.  Sports Business Journal selected Toledo as the #1, now #2, Market in America for Minor League sports. Both the Hens and Walleye have been recognized and awarded for organizational excellence by Minor League Baseball and Minor League Hockey.

Joe met his wife, Annette, in Toledo during his first stint with the Mud Hens.  Annette and Joe love raising their five children in Toledo.