Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations for the Seattle Mariners, reflects on a lesson learned from manager Jim Fregosi about the challenges of playing baseball. As one of five former players now in high executive roles, Dipoto emphasizes how such backgrounds can foster greater empathy and credibility. His peers, including Craig Breslow and Chris Young, echo this thought, noting that while non-players can succeed as executives, the players’ experiences provide unique advantages. Recent developments in Boston, highlighted by a complex contract strategy for Alex Bregman, illustrate the impact of knowledgeable leadership in player acquisitions.
"He said, 'I'm just going to remind you today. ... Don't ever forget how hard that it is to play,'" Dipoto recalled. "And that's what I think is the thing I remember most."
"There are a ton of incredibly successful executives who didn't play baseball. I don't think it's a prerequisite, but I do think it provides a level of credibility and empathy..." said Breslow.
"Under Breslow's leadership, Boston used a complicated contract structure to add Alex Bregman in free agency," demonstrating how the right leadership can lead to strategic acquisitions.
"Dipoto is one of five former major leaguers serving as the top baseball executive for a big league franchise at the moment," highlighting a rare intersection of experience and leadership in baseball management.
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