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Joe Torre Retires From MLB to Bid For Dodgers Ownership
Joe Torre before his farewell game, Oct. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Count Joe Torre among the hopefuls bidding for ownership of the financially distressed Los Angeles Dodgers. The former team manager, 71, has retired from his post as an executive vice president with Major League Baseball in order to be eligible to bid for team ownership, reports NBC Los Angeles.
Torre released a statement about his decision:
"I have made this decision because of a unique chance to join a group that plans to bid for the Dodgers. After leaving the field, this job was an incredible experience, one that I enjoyed very much.''
But Torre isn't making the bid solo--he has signed on to make the bid with well-known real estate developer Rick Caruso. Said Caruso of Torre and their wish to own the team:
"I am a lifelong Angeleno; I love this city and have dedicated my career to creating world-class destinations that support this community and foster great customer experiences. Joe and I believe in the Dodgers and Dodger fans and know that together we will foster a winning culture.''
Torre and Caruso are among a handful of high-profile bidders hoping to take over the team. NBC Los Angeles breaks down the field of moneyed folks eying the prize:
* Steven Cohen, hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors.
* A group that includes former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson, former Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals president Stan Kasten and Guggenheim Partners chief executive officer Mark Walter.
* A group that includes former agent and current Chicago White Sox special assistant Dennis Gilbert, talk show host Larry King and Jason Reese of Imperial Capital.
* A group that includes former Dodgers general manager Fred Claire, former Oakland Athletics president Andy Dolich and former Dodgers batboy Ben Hwang.
* Former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley.
* A group that includes former Dodgers Orel Hershiser and Steve Garvey, and Joey Herrick of Natural Balance Pet Foods.
* Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
Sponsored message
The deadline for bidding on the Dodgers is January 23. The winner is expected to be announced in April, and the sale completed by the end of that month.
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