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New president named for California League
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Charlie Blaney photo by Rob Fisher
A longtime executive in the Los Angeles Dodger organization is taking over the reigns of the California League.
Charlie Blaney, who spent 32 years with the Dodgers including an eleven-year stint as vice president of minor league operations, has been named to succeed Joe Gagliardi, who is retiring as league president.
A self-described “minor league guy,” Blaney will be shadowing Gagliardi and learning the ropes until the end of the season when Gagliardi officially retires after 29 years.
Blaney calls the California League a “jewel in the state,” and says Gagliardi will leave the California League in great shape, with ten stable franchises and eight new or refurbished ballparks.
Don't expect many changes in the way the league operates, and Blaney says there are no plans for expansion. He says the role of minor league baseball has always been that of player development.
“It’s a finishing school. Your job is to make a young player a complete a professional first and foremost that he can hit, run, field, throw and catch to advance to the major leagues but also he’ll know how to talk to the media, how to be on time, how to dress on time, how to handle finances and prepare for life after baseball. It’s all part of the whole package of what major league baseball looks for from its young players.”
Blaney would like to see a televised “game of the week” for both north and south divisions. And, throwing a glimmer of hope to San Jose Giants fans, he says it’s not out of the question that the Giants could stay in San Jose even if the Oakland A’s were to move to Santa Clara County. He says the Yankees, Mets and Rangers all have successful minor league affiliates in their backyards.
Blaney plans to move the California League offices from Campbell to near his home in Ventura County.
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