WhiteWings GM quickly taking charge; yours truly to serve as consultant
THE REAL EAL
By JERRY DEAL
Most of you should know by now that the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings will be back in action this season, after working out some money problems with the city of Harlingen, and also that my friend and former associate Doug Robinson is the new general manager.
Wnat you did not know is that I will be working with the North American (Baseball) League as a consultant, with immediate duties to assist Robinson in getting the WhiteWings back on track.(My firxst job was to set up a press conference to introduce Robinson earlier this week.)
Fans and others throughout this area will quickly discover that, unlike the recent past, Doug is a very active and positive person, loves meeting people, has some great ideas for the team and fans — a true asset for a minor league GM.
Doug is no stranger to the Valley, He was director of operations for the Wings before transferring as assistant general manager for the Laredo Broncos, in 2006. He later was sports director and anchor for the NBC affiliate television station in Laredo.
One change he has made here is there no longer will be a charge for parking at the games. He also said the WhiteWings will be more family friendly.
“We are looking for another successful season on the field as defending champions of the Southern Division of the NAL, with the return of field manager Eddie Dennis and some of the players from 2011,” Robinson said.
“We also look forward to going against the Fort Worth Cats, who joined osur division of the league,” he said. This should make it even more interesting for the fans and the players, he said.
Robinson already has set up special events for each day of the week when the WhiteWings are home.
Yours truly will be assisting in marketing areas, as well as being a media consultant.
I look forward to again being a part of the organization here as well as the league, which will be in its second year of operation, following the merger of the Northern League. the Golden League and the United League prior to last season.
Dennis, who earlier this week returned to the U.S. after a winter managing stint in Nicaragua, said he is pleased that Robinson has been named GM.
Dennis, who shortly will manage in the Arizona Winter League, a part of the NAL, then returning to the Valley in April, stated:
“It will be much easier to manage the players when you know there is a capable person in the front office. I expect to again have a league contender and am looking forward to an overall successful season.”
In addition to the Cats, new teams in the league for 2012 are Fullerton, Calif., San Rafael, Calif and Henderson, Texas.
I am certain that both you and Mr. Robinson will do well with the WhiteWings and bring them back to financial stability. That, plus Eddie Dennis fielding a good team, can only help. Now, Harlingen,do your part and have some fun attending some of the games.
When are they going to start selling season tickets? It was started earlier last year.
Jerry Deal comments: They are working on it and may start tomorrow ((Jan.26). Everything became delayed while finances were worked out and a new general manager could be hired.