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Charleston RiverDogs

Former American League President Becomes A Partner With the RiverDogs

January 7, 2007 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC - Dr. Gene A. Budig, past president of Major League Baseball's American League, has become a partner in the Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees in the South Atlantic League.

"No segment of organized baseball is more exciting than the minor leagues," said Dr. Budig, who joins Marv Goldklang and Mike Veeck as the RiverDogs' primary owners. "And no minor league team is better run than the RiverDogs under Mike Veeck. The team was great fun for the record number of fans who visited Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park during the 2006 regular season."

The RiverDogs established a new Charleston professional baseball attendance record in '06 with 267,908 fans.

Budig pointed out that Minor League Baseball drew more than 42 million people last season, while the Major Leagues surpassed 77 million, and both were record attendance highs. Minor League Baseball is expected to grow again in 2007.

"What I like most is the way the RiverDogs cater to the young and to families," the former MLB leader said. "They offer quality entertainment at an affordable cost; there is no limit to their program creativity."

"Gene is one of those people who commands respect, not only because of his very impressive background in education and the game but, of even greater importance to me, as a thoroughly decent individual," said Goldklang. "Mike and I are honored to have him as our partner."

"We love his involvement from an historical perspective and his intimacy with the game," said Veeck. "He is well thought of in all levels of baseball, and Gene Budig is one of us."

Dr. Budig joins the RiverDogs' ownership group that also includes actor Bill Murray and local resident Al Phillips.

Dr. Budig was a university president/chancellor for 22 years before assuming the top job in the American League (1994-2000). He headed Illinois State University, West Virginia University and the University of Kansas. He currently serves as a senior advisor to Major League Baseball.

He is a retired major general in the Air National Guard/United States Air Force.

"Gretchen and I wanted to make a meaningful investment in the community and remain close to the game we love," Budig added. "The RiverDogs gave us that opportunity." The Budigs moved to South Carolina a year ago and currently live on the Isle of Palms, near Charleston.

The new partner predicted exciting times for the RiverDogs with the Yankees making an unprecedented commitment to their farm team operations. Charleston baseball fans will be seeing "a line of future New York Yankees at The Joe."

The RiverDogs beging the season, their third with the Yankees, on April 5 when the Greenville Drive come to Riley Park.

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