While waiting in line during lunch, the Tank was nervous and excited. During our brief meeting at the book signing, the Tank told Dave that he attended his 2001 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, near where the Tank is from. As we posed for a picture, Dave asked the Tank about his Antarctica Marathon shirt and the Tank briefly told him about the trip.
Seeing the title of Dave's new book, "Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve Them", and quickly reviewing it moments before I met Dave, the Tank followed up asking Dave if he wants to be a future Commissioner of Major League Baseball. Dave smiled and said that he is "working behind the scenes". If his smile and book are any indication, Dave lays out a blueprint to rescue baseball from its current issues like steroids, low numbers of African American boys playing baseball, access to baseball fields in inner cities, etc.
Dave gives examples like working with corporate partners like Bank of America to promote Little League Urban Initiative to refurbish fields and raise money for equipment and uniforms. Instead of awarding its MVP, Rookie of the Year, and other awards one by one, Dave suggests a one night award show in front of a live audience like the Oscars to honor all players and to keep people excited about baseball. Dave sites past marketing examples like Abe Stark's "Hit Sign, Win Suit" sign at Ebbets Field. Even though the Dodgers have left Brooklyn, there are other ways to update marketing to the 21st Century. It's not that hard as Dave details; you just have to engage corporate partners.
If Dave isn't a future MLB Commissioner, someone who shares his Baseball United views better be. The Tank will continue to monitor this story and keep you posted.
Posted by the Tank in NY.