Memphis’ Weiss Named Pacific Coast League Executive of the Year
Ben Weiss chosen by colleagues to receive award

MEMPHIS, TN –Memphis Redbirds General Manager, Ben Weiss, has been named Pacific Coast League Executive of the Year. The award is voted on by other Pacific Coast League General Managers.

“This comes as no surprise to those of us who watch Ben in operation”, said Ray Pohlman, President of the Memphis Redbirds Foundation.  “Ben brings great energy and commitment to our enterprise and we are proud to join his colleagues in recognizing his leadership and accomplishments.”

Weiss, 35, was named General Manager in August of 2009. This past season showed an increase in ticket sales for the second straight year. He has shown a strong focus on the fan experience. This season, the Redbirds introduced an increase in premium giveaways and events including an Elvis® bobblehead, St Louis Cardinals World Series replica ring and two World Series Trophy appearances. Weiss also played an integral part in the process to install the largest videoboard in Minor League Baseball during the winter of 2012.

Prior to his move to Memphis, Ben was an Event Manager and Assistant General Manager at the Global Spectrum managed Sun National Bank Center. In 2007, he was promoted to General Manager at the Mullins Center on the University of Massachusetts campus in Amherst, MA. He was named to Billboard’s “Top 30 Under 30” list for the sports and entertainment industry in 2007.

“Ben has done a tremendous job of creating an outstanding fan experience, enhancing the team’s community presence, and leading our efforts in Memphis,” said Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer John Page. “We are particularly proud of Ben and his entire staff. This is a most-deserving honor.”

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award.  This recognition is a result of all the hard work and dedication put forth by our staff,” said Weiss. “I consider myself very lucky to work with the best front office in minor league baseball.”

ST LOUIS (January 11, 2012)– The 16^th annual Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up, the Cardinals Caravan, the 53^rd annual St. Louis Baseball Writers Dinner, as well as two events benefiting Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) highlight a busy Cardinals-themed holiday weekend that continues the 2011 World Championship celebration while also unofficially kicking off the 2012 baseball season.

The Winter Warm-Up returns to the Hyatt Regency at the Arch Saturday, January 14^th through Monday, January 16^th (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day) with appearances by a variety of current and former Cardinals players.

“This year’s Warm-Up will be even more special as we celebrate our 11^th World Championship and look forward to the 2012 season,” said Michael Hall, Vice President for Cardinals Care and Community Relations. “The event is a fun-filled weekend that really has something for everyone.”

This year fans will get their chance to take a picture with the Cardinals 2011 World Series trophy as well as get their first opportunity to greet new acquisitions Carlos Beltran and J.C. Romero, who are scheduled to appear on Sunday and Monday respectively.

For complete Warm-Up information visit www.cardinals.com/winterwarmup.

In addition to the Warm-Up, on Friday night Cardinals fans can enjoy a special program at the Peabody Opera House as Tony La Russa and Bob Costas will discuss the 2011 season. Saturday night La Russa’s annual “Stars to the Rescue” event will take place at the Peabody and both events will benefit the former Cardinals manager’s Animal Rescue Foundation.

The 54^th annual Baseball Writers Dinner will take place at the St. Louis Millennium Hotel on Sunday night. Fans will enjoy a night of fun and entertainment as the dinner will celebrate the 2011 World Championship, pay tribute to the 30^th anniversary of the 1982 World Series Champion Cardinals and include the presentation of several 2011 awards and recognition.

Below are the complete highlights of the 2012 Winter Warm-Up:

Friday, January 13, 2012

• Tickets: The Will Call ticket window at the Hyatt Regency will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Cardinals Caravan Kicks Off: Stops in Springfield, Mo., Champaign, Ill., Decatur, Ill., Mexico, Mo. and Jefferson City, Mo. kick off the 2012 Cardinals Caravan.
• La Russa Discusses the 2011 Season: Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation will host “A Champs Perspective,” a viewing of the 2011 Championship season at the Peabody Opera House with special guest Bob Costas. Join La Russa as he gives his unique commentary on this historic season.

Saturday, January 14, 2012 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• 2012 Cardinals Autographs: Chris Carpenter, Tony Cruz, Tyler Greene, Fernando Salas, Adam Wainwright and more.
• Cardinals Alumni Autographs: Andy and Alan Benes, Glenn Brummer, Cal Eldred, Rex Hudler, Rick Horton, Brian Jordan and more.
• Dugout Presentations: “Collecting Sports Memorabilia” with sports collector Dave Jackson at 10:30 a.m.; Learn how to shoot a Cardinals game with team photographer Scott Rovak at 12:00 p.m.; Weatherbird live demonstrations with St. Louis Post-Dispatch artist Dan Martin at 2:00 p.m.
• Clubhouse Presentations: Cardinals Farm Director John Vuch discusses the organization’s minor league system at 11:00 a.m.; Cardinals Vice President of Sales and Marketing Dan Farrell discusses the team’s sales, marketing and broadcasting at 1:00 p.m.; Brian Finch of the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Museum will discuss the history of the Cardinals with 10 items from the museum at 3:00 p.m.
• Main Stage: Cardinals Senior Vice President and General Manager John Mozeliak will host a question and answer session at 12:30 p.m, while a panel discussion with three members of the Cardinals local media will to follow at 1:00 p.m.
• Auctions: Silent Auctions: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Live Auctions (Main Stage): 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Items that are won at auctions must be paid for at the close of each auction.
• Cardinals Caravan: The Cardinals caravan makes its way thru Cardinal Nation with stops in Joplin, Rolla, Hannibal, Columbia, and Moberly, Mo. as well as Quincy, Ill.

Sunday, January 15, 2012 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• 2012 Cardinals Autographs: Lance Berkman, Mitchell Boggs, Daniel Descalso, Jaime Garcia, Matt Holliday, Jon Jay, J.C. Romero, Jake Westbrook and more.
• Cardinals Alumni Autographs: Danny Cox, Chris Duncan, Curt Ford, Tony La Russa, Red Schoendienst and more.
• Dugout Presentations: “Collecting Sports Memorabilia” with sports collector Dave Jackson at 11:30 a.m.
• Clubhouse Presentations: Brian Finch of the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Museum will discuss the 2011 World Championship season at 10:30 a.m.; an exclusive launch of the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum’s new website with the group’s registrar Jennifer Jackson at 12:00 p.m.; “Caring for the 2011 World Champions” with team physician, Dr. Wendell Becton at 1:00 p.m.
• Main Stage: A panel discussion with members of the 1964 World Championship team and the 2011 World Championship team from 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Auctions: Silent Auctions: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Live Auctions (Main Stage): 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Items that are won at auctions must be paid for at the close of each auction.
• Cardinals Caravan: The Cardinals Caravan makes its way thru Cardinal Nation with stops in Dyersburg and Memphis, Tenn., as well as Mattoon and Peoria, Ill.
• 54^th Annual Baseball Writers Dinner (Millennium Hotel, 6:30 p.m.): Enjoy a night of fun and entertainment as the St. Louis chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America celebrates the 2011 World Championship team and several members of the Cardinals organization receive awards recognizing their accomplishments in 2011. Also, there will be a special program honoring the 30^th anniversary of the 1982 World Series Championship.

Monday, January 16, 2012 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• 2012 Cardinals Autographs: Carlos Beltran, Allen Craig, David Freese, Kyle Lohse, Lance Lynn, Kyle McClellan, Mike Matheny and more.
• Cardinals Alumni Autographs: Jack Clark, Whitey Herzog, Mike Jorgensen, Ray Lankford, Kerry Robinson, Jason Simontacci and more.
• Dugout Presentation: Photograph opportunities with America’s symbol, the bald eagle at 10:30 a.m. and Brian Finch of the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Museum will present “Designing the Past” at 12:30 p.m.
• Clubhouse Presentation: Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III discusses the franchise at 10:00 a.m. and “Collecting Sports Memorabilia” with sports collector Dave Jackson at 11:30 a.m.
• Main Stage: A discussion with former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and new Cardinals skipper Mike Matheny at 1:30 p.m.
• Auctions: Silent Auctions: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Live Auctions (Main Stage): 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Items that are won at auctions must be paid for at the close of each auction.
• Cardinals Caravan: The Cardinals Caravan makes its way thru Cardinal Nation with stops in Jonesboro, Ark., Cape Girardeau, Mo., Quad Cities, Iowa and Springfield, Ill.

All Three Days
On the second floor of the Hyatt, fans will be able to play interactive games, find collectable memorabilia and baseball cards, meet Fredbird and listen to informative presentations by Cardinals executives.

On the fourth floor, fans will be able to meet their favorite players at the autograph tables and will also have the opportunity to visit the Cardinals Care Store. The store will be stocked full of Cardinals memorabilia such as discounted hats, game-worn jerseys, toys and grab bags. Also, there will be booths for Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation and Stan the Man Inc. There will be plenty of items on hand for purchase at booths sponsored by Cardinals Publications as well as the official team store.

This year Cardinals Authentics will be selling unique items from the 2011 Cardinals Postseason. In addition to autographed World Series balls and photos, fans can purchase autographed champagne bottles from each round of the Cardinals’ 2011 postseason run and limited edition items such as World Series Game 7 rosin bag material and infield dirt.

Tickets
Three-day passes for the event can be purchased at the Busch Stadium Cardinals Team Store, at area Cardinals Clubhouse Stores or by calling (314) 345-9000. Ticket prices are $40 for fans 16 and older and $10 for fans ages five to 15, while kids under five are free. Fans that purchased their tickets in advance can begin picking them up at the Hyatt Regency Will Call starting Friday, January 14^th from noon to 7 p.m. The Will Call window will open again on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Pizza Party
Cardinals Care has now partnered with Papa John’s Pizza for a special promotion where proceeds of pizza purchases in January will be donated to their cause. The Cardinals Care $20 Papa John’s Deal includes any large pizza, one chicken side and a Cinnapie for only $20 with $2 from every deal sold going directly to Cardinals Care. The deal is good thru January only and orders can be made at www.papajohns.com or by visiting any St. Louis area Papa John’s store.

Cardinals Care
Since its inception in 1997, Cardinals Care has maintained a direct focus on “Caring for Kids” by distributing funds to area non-profit youth organizations and establishing Redbird Rookies, their flagship program that supports youth on and off the baseball field. Most of the organizations who are recipients of Cardinals Care charitable grants are based in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa.

Grant funds are intended to support purchases such as school supplies and uniforms, computers, software, instruments, books and games for educational programs, as well as basic needs such as winter clothing for needy children.

The Winter Warm-Up and annual 6K Run are Cardinals Care’s two largest fundraising events each year. In 2011 Cardinals Care raised over $700,000 at the Warm-Up and nearly $160,000 at the second annual 6K Run. Cardinals Care also raises funds through memorabilia auctions online and throughout Busch Stadium during the season

54^th Annual St. Louis Baseball Writers Dinner
The event will feature a tribute to the 2011 World Series Champion Cardinals as well as presentations of the annual Baseball Writers Awards. Those scheduled to receive awards are Tony La Russa, John Mozeliak, Red Schoendienst, Dan Descalso, Lance Berkman, Chris Carpenter, David Freese and Kyle Lohse, along with Cardinals Organizational Player of the Year Matt Adams and Pitcher of the Year Shelby Miller.

Cardinals Caravan
The 2012 Cardinals Caravan begins Friday, January 13^th and will embark on five separate caravans, scheduled throughout the weekend. The caravans are scheduled to visit 19 total cities, including the respective ballparks of local minor league affiliates Memphis (Tennessee), Springfield (Missouri) and Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa). For complete information of all caravan stops visit www.cardinals.com/caravan.

Stars to the Rescue
Tony La Russa’s annual Animal Rescue Foundation event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Peabody Opera House and tickets for the event are $75 and $25 and are on sale now by visiting the Ford Box Office at Scottrade. Stars scheduled to appear are Tom Johnson, Luke Bryan, Timothy B. Schmit, John McDaniel, Christopher Jackson and Lara Johnston. ARF saves dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters and strives to bring together people and pets.

Sponsors
Cardinals Care and the St. Louis Cardinals would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make the 2012 Winter Warm-Up possible:

Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Belleville News-Democrat, Betallic, Centric Group, Coca-Cola North America, Enterprise Holdings, Fox Sports Midwest, Framin’ Place, Gwin’s Travel, Hardee’s, Hostess Brands, Hunter Engineering, Hyatt Regency, In Focus Marketing, KMOX News/Talk 1120, M & I Bank, Nehmen-Kodner, Paramount Convention Services, Rawlings Sporting Goods, RBO PRINTLOGISTIX, Sportservice, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, , St. Louis Sportswear, St. Louis Town Planner, Suburban Journals, Supply Concepts, Inc., Swank Audio Visuals, Syberg’s, Thrivent Financial, Victoria Products, Warren Sign and Wireless USA.

Note: I wrote this before learning of Frank White’s firing by the Royals. I have to prepare for some other stuff and don’t have time to write another article. Frank White’s firing is on the business and PR side of the house and will not have an impact on baseball operations. However, what I wrote below is about organizational culture change. Changing the culture into a winner. However, if an organization is willing to blow out one of three people in the organization to have their number retired, I have to assume that the culture of Buffoonery is still winning the day in the front office. Might as well put a trash can back in front of the 1985 World Series Trophy.

On Tuesday of this week it was announced that Jonathan Broxton signed a one-year, $4 Million contract with the Royals. Broxton is coming off an arm injury. However, Dayton Moore has made a name for himself in signing reclamation projects and then turning them for something of value. Sort of like those house flipping shows that were popular in the latter half of the Aught Decade, except with baseball players, not houses.

Broxton will add depth to the bullpen, allows Aaron Crow to take another shot at the rotation, and open up some trade options. At least that’s the theory. This thing could blow up. To you and me a $4 Million gamble is a big deal, but for an MLB payroll I think it’s defiantly worth the risk.

photo by Minda Haas

I could go into all the ways the Royals could/should/will use Broxton and the other options that this will create. That stuff is too far away to really think about. What I find most interesting about this Broxton situation is how the signing came about. Recruiting is something that isn’t typically talked about in the professional sporting world because everyone assumes the paycheck is the biggest decision to make. However, In professional sports teams often offer similar contracts. What the decision comes down to is quality of life. Will I be happy living in this city or that city? If a guy is smart he’ll discuss these things with his family. Cliff Lee signing with Philadelphia is a good example of this. It was publicized that Lee’s family liked their time in Philadelphia, so they signed there. I dare say it, whether a team gets or doesn’t sign a player often comes down to intangibles of the team or city.

The term intangibles often makes fans cringe when learning a player on their team has intangibles. Let’s be honest: intangibles is the sunshine a team’s PR Department throws out when they know they just signed or traded for a player that sucks. Jeff Francoeur has been mentioned in the same sentence as intangibles a few times in his career. Francoeur had an excellent season last year. His plate production might, and probably will regress next year. However, I enjoy watching Francoeur play defense more than anything. After reading this Kevin Kernan article in New York Post about the Broxton signing I realized Jeff Francouer brings another intangible to the Royals that the Royals have needed for years. A Recruiter! (This hunting trip has been mocked by bloggers and media types in more urban areas. However, Royals Nation is mostly rural and knowing that hunting was used to lure a player to the Royals probably does more to endear the players to the fan base, than say…. firing Frank White)

I wonder if Raul Ibanez or Tori Hunter would be on the Royals roster if the Royals had a good recruiter and winning culture during their free agency. Rumor has it the money was there to sign these guys, but Kansas City didn’t offer what these players wanted, and it certainly did not offer a winning culture.

From watching the games on TV last season you could tell Francoeur genuinely enjoys playing for the Royals. From the playful sucker-punches during walk off celebrations, to pointing and smiling to teammates who made spectacular plays, Frenchy established himself as a leader on this team. It also helps that he put his money where his mouth is and signed a contact extension during the season.

Aside from actually winning games what the Royals need most is a change of culture. Frenchy seems to be leading the way in that process. His on field production will have to stay somewhat relevant for him to have any credibility. Eric Homser, Mike Moustakas and the other young guys appear to have the same chemistry from coming up through the system together. But Frenchy is the veteran and should display some leadership. If (see, I wasn’t completely sold even before the Frank White news.) we are witnessing a true culture change within the Royals Club House, you have to give Jeff Francoeur some credit for giving this transformation some traction. Maybe he’ll be remembered as a better recruiter than a player.