What I like

Pat O'Conner, president, Minor League Baseball

Published June 27, 2011

PROFESSIONAL

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What I Like …

■ An insight: Never be outworked.

■ An influential person in my career: Glenn Hayes, who owned/operated Hayes Concessions at horse racing tracks in the Columbus area. I worked for him during summer breaks in high school and college, and he became a mentor and close friend.

■ An out-of-the-box idea: Totally paperless society.

■ A timeless idea: The customer is always right.

■ A business deal: Win-win-win.

■ A sports facility: One that covers every angle … fans, sponsors, participants

■ A sports event: The perfection of 27 outs a side.

■ A strategy: Forethought, planning and execution.

■ A hire: Chemistry with the existing staff and a high upside potential.

■ A trend: More than a blip on the screen.

■ An innovation: Cutting edge with longevity.

■ A pro league or team business initiative: Diversity from a business perspective.

■ A story that bears watching: The economics of sport.

■ An idea or invention I wish I had thought of: Post-it note pads and Wite-Out.

■ A fantasy job: Commissioner of a major league sports property.


What I Like About …

■ My job: The ability to make a difference.

■ Sports: The competition.

■ Sports business: The volatility.

■ Sports media: Its aggressive and passionate nature.

■ Sports technology: Geared toward the fan.

■ Sports fans: Passion and loyalty.

What I Would Like To …

■ Change: Racism in America.

■ Change in what I do: Not be so anal.

■ See: Less greed.

■ See more of in sports: Genuine appreciation for the fans.

■ See less of in sports: Less “me” and more “we.”

■ See less of in sports business: Greed.

■ Eliminate: November baseball.


What I Don’t Like …

■ In general: Cynicism.

■ Pet peeve: Mistakes created by a lack of preparation or effort.

■ In sports: Unnecessary showmanship.

■ In business: Lack of ethics or honesty.

■ About sports fans: Overly zealous behavior.

Personal

What I Like …

■ People: Genuine.

■ That would surprise those who know me: My insecurities.

■ Above all else: Family and friends.

■ About myself: My heart.

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■ Heroes: Military, first responders, police.

■ Players: Bagwell, Biggio and Guillen.

■ Teams: Those that commit to excellence.

■ Possession: Umatilla (those who know me know where/what that is).

■ Memento: Not a collector of material things, but I have a small collection of personal photos.

■ Time of year: Spring … hope springs eternal.

■ Music: ’70s and ’80s and country.

■ Magazine: Baseball America.

■ Gadget: I do not do gadgets.

■ iPad app: Do not own one (yet).

■ Chore: Mowing.

■ Hobby: I do not do hobbies … I used to fish.

■ Trip: My next one.

■ Movies: “Goodfellas,” “High Plains Drifter,” “Major League.”

■ TV: “Seinfeld,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “The King of Queens.”

■ Concert: Anything Buffett

■ Artist: Van Arsdale in Marriott hotels.

■ Food: Yes.

■ Dessert: Fruit with whipped cream or carrot cake.

■ Drink: Diet Pepsi.

■ Scent: Fresh baked bread.

■ Vacation spot: I do not really do vacations.

■ Car: Cadillac DST.

■ Aftershave: Obsession.

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■ Singers: Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson.

■ Quote: “It is better to have character than be one.”

■ Anything to add? Life is a journey, not a destination.