This date in MLS history: June 24

June 24, 3:39 AMMLS ExaminerCharlie Corr

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In 1997, Peter Wilt was named the first general manager of the Chicago Fire.

Wilt simply is a rare breed in the sports executive world, and he wears his sports passion on his sleeve.

The boy who used to write letters to legendary Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck, who obliged with responses to Wilt's inquiries. The sports guru who decided he would have more fun working for a sports team, rather than reporting on one. The GM who did everything to build up the Fire, was let go, but to this very day continues to live and die with that organization.

He's a fan of soccer and speaks 1-on-1 with the fans of soccer. And it goes beyond the game itself. For Wilt, it's about the entire experience well beyond the actual 90-minute display.

These days, Wilt is the president of the Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer. No question there are many challenges to be met in the restart of a professional women's soccer league, but Wilt's doing what he does best: connecting.

He's also trying to get more page views of his Twit Pics of trips, juicy burgers, concerts and who knows what else, so make sure you follow his Twitter page and blog. And if you're somewhere around Chicago or Milwaukee, maybe he will challenge you to a game of foosball.

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Send a message: E-mail your comments or thoughts to charliecorr@gmail.com.

Charlie Corr is a freelance sports writer based in Chicago. In addition to his Major League Soccer duties, he is the Chicago Sports Examiner and the creator of a Chicago-based soccer Web site, SlideTackles.net.

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