DAVENPORT, Iowa - An Iowa lawmaker will be dividing his time between Des Moines and the dugout in 2017.
Iowa Sen. Roby Smith, (R) Davenport, is becoming co-owner of the Quad Cities River Bandits.
Smith is joining managing partner Dave Heller to operate the baseball team.
"I represent the Quad Cities at the Statehouse," Smith said. "This is a way I can be even more involved in the community."
Community outreach is a big factor that attracted the two-term lawmaker.
"They help different organizations raise money," he continued. "They give their time back through volunteer hours. They give away scholarships every year to local students."
Smith replaces part-owner Bob Herrfeldt, who served for eight seasons.
"Roby Smith is a terrific friend blessed with a servant's heart," Heller said. "He'll bring that same spirit of fun, hard work and service to the River Bandits."
The River Bandits are coming off eight straight seasons averaging over 3,500 fans per game at Modern Woodmen Park.
Smith is looking forward to continuing an affordable, fun and entertaining experience at the ballpark.
"I will not be a silent partner," he concluded. "We're a team, and we're going to go forward as a team."