MLB suspends Giants CEO 3+ months

[LadyStanley]

Giants CEO Baer suspended until July
Giants CEO Baer suspended until July

Suspended without pay. Can have no involvement with running team.

Based on video (in public park) of altercation with wife. Also to undergo counseling.


Leagues real protective of perception

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[LadyStanley]

Suspension completed.

When he returned July 2, having served Major League Baseball’s unpaid suspension stemming from a March 1 videotaped public altercation with his wife, Pam, he came back to the same role as club CEO. He has kept a lower profile as he sought to reconnect with all levels of the organization. He made it a point to listen and learn.

In his first interview since returning, Baer said his time away from the Giants allowed him to refocus on some things and reevaluate some others. And now that he is back, he intends to lead again.

And during suspension, spent time in the community, listening about social issues and other needs/wants. Trying to balance work/life. Back five week ago, but wanted to reconnect, face-to-face, with every employee in organization, from the front office, to the temporary workers (ushers, food vendors) before consenting to give first interview.

Got an appreciation for need to sell in-stadium experience vs using the remote on your couch and enjoying the game with the great broadcasters, producers. He thinks that the great game presentation on TV is one reason for low attendance in MLB.

MLB control person - the person the league calls for stuff. Baer held the position, but was replaced when suspended (and doesn't sound like he'll be getting it back). Separation of governance (league) from management (team).

In fact, there are baseball rules around that. Most leagues have rules around that. So it’s kind of the way it should be. In the years here, Peter was a control person. Bill Neukom was a control person. I was the control person. Rob is the control person. … It doesn’t really change the way we function. I’m president and CEO, but Rob and the board members were involved on everything from Bryce Harper to any major decision here. (Signing) Johnny Cueto, I’m not sitting there saying I’m going to spend $126 million and tell people after the fact. We’re all in it. So it’s pretty much the same.

For most teams, the head of baseball does report to the control person, but it’s sort of a three-way thing. With the Yankees, Brian Cashman reports to Hal Steinbrenner, yet Randy Levine is in the middle of things. That’s just the way it’s set up. So to the extent Rob was involved, he’s invited to stay and be as involved as he’d like to be, since he was involved for the four months. But there’s plenty for all of us to do.

Bad start to season, lead to lower ticket sales. But strength in brand is there. In a transition ("rebuilding") period, but hope performance keeps improving.

Changing corporate entertainment. Companies may not buy 82 games of luxury suite, but new Cloud Club allows them to entertain small group in comfort and style.

Discussion about Mission Rock development. Park, retail, office and residential space in phase 1. 40% subsidized housing for teachers, nurses, first responders.

Discussion on the impact of the Warriors move to SF waterfront and new arena. When AT&T Park opened, more than 50% of attendees arrived by mode other than personal car ("ride sharing, walking, could be bike, could be ferry, could be light rail, could be commuter rail."). That will probably be similar for new Chase Center, and increase when both facilities are in use. Emphasis on education of public transit for Warriors.


So, not really a "status quo" return. But things seem to be OK.