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Jon Weisman, who writes the Dodger Thoughts blog, will be a guest on "Which Way L.A.?" with Warren Olney tonight at 7 p.m. on KCRW (89.9 FM). The topic: Frank McCourt's purchase of the Dodgers and the stadium, probably to be approved by the sport's owners today.
Update: Dodgers deal is done (LAT, ESPN). The LAT expects heads to roll. The press release is below:
Contact: Duffy Jennings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DODGERS WELCOME THE McCOURT ERA
Major League Baseball Approves the Sale of the Dodgers to Frank McCourt
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - January 29, 2004 - With historic Dodger Stadium as a backdrop, businessman Frank and Jamie McCourt were confirmed as the fourth owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers today when Major League Baseball owners voted unanimously to approve the sale of the Dodgers to them by News Corporation.
McCourt, a successful Boston real estate developer who paid $430 million for the team, the stadium, the surrounding Chavez Ravine property and the baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, expressed a strong commitment to restoring the Dodgers' winning tradition and the importance of returning family ownership to the Los Angeles baseball team.
"Words cannot adequately convey our excitement about becoming stewards of this great baseball franchise," McCourt said at a news conference, flanked by Dodger legends Vin Scully and Tommy Lasorda and surrounded by historic photos and memorabilia of great players and moments in club history.
"This is not just one of the greatest franchises in baseball, it's one of the greatest teams in all of sports. I take to heart all the responsibilities that come with it and I intend to restore the glory days of Dodger baseball."
McCourt outlined his top three priorities, which he termed the "A-B-Cs" for improving the team. "A," he said, stands for accountability from top to bottom so that everyone in the organization "knows what is needed to win and succeed" and what their contribution needs to be. "B" represents 'baseball, baseball, baseball," McCourt said. He pledged a "24/7" commitment to successful baseball operations. "C," he said, means community, and he emphasized a renewed commitment to Los Angeles' diverse communities.
Among his first actions, McCourt announced that every Dodgers game in 2004 will be televised, a first in Dodger history. "We are going to brand and market this team aggressively, providing greater value and enjoyment for the fans, season ticket holders, advertisers and sponsors who support us," he said.
Earlier in the day McCourt met with Dodger employees, Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn and other local political leaders to discuss his vision for the ball club. In the coming days, McCourt said he plans to meet with season ticket holders, business and community leaders, team sponsors and residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the stadium.
"I'm part of a family business that has a 110-year record of success," McCourt said. "I understand what it takes to manage, organize and lead. Jamie and I look forward to bringing that experience to the Dodgers and continuing that record of success while earning the respect and trust of Dodger fans."
McCourt, who reached an agreement in principle with News Corp. on October 10, 2004, expressed his gratitude to News Corp. and Major League Baseball officials for their assistance in completing the sale.
"This has been a long and deliberate process," he said, "but it has resulted in a transaction approved by Major League Baseball and one that satisfies all of baseball's financial requirements. We believe it will be good for the city of Los Angeles and, most importantly, good for all Dodger fans."
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