Kennedy and Gammons to navigate the Whale October 16, 1998
Hartford, CT (AP)- The Hartford Whalers ended speculation this afternoon and
named a new GM and Manager, ending Owner Jeremy Chrabascz's rule as all three.
Chrabascz issued the following statement instead of calling a press conference
because, as he states, he didn't want to "distract the fans from the thrill
ofthe postseason":
Effective immediately, Hartford Whalers owner Jeremy Chrabascz will no longer
serve as GM and Manager. Former Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers skipper,
Kevin Kennedy, has been lured out of the ESPN broadcast booth and back into the
dugout full-time. It seemed only fitting that Chrabascz, also the owner of
ESPN & ABC, would be the one to convince Kennedy to return to managing. Also
taking a fresh seat in the front office, in a surprise move, will be fellow
ESPN analyst Peter Gammons. Gammons will surrender his duties to ESPN and
Boston newspapers the Globe and Herald to assume the role as full-time Whalers
GM. Chrabascz had this to say of the moves this morning, "They'll be
introduced to the media immediately following the World Series. In the
meantime, the fans should focus on the Fall Classic and America's National
Pastime." On his selections, Chrabascz replied, "Kennedy always has been a
winner and always will be one. The Red Sox were fools to let him go." It
comes as no surprise that with Kennedy in place GM candidate Dan Duquette would
be tanked. Kennedy and Duquette never got along in Boston. Kennedy, viewed as
a players' manager, was welcomed with open arms in Hartford today. On Gammons,
Chrabascz simply said, "He's been evaluating talent for over a decade...who
better to replace me?" Gammons and Kennedy are prevented, under Chrabascz's
orders, to comment on their appointments until after the World Series.
Today's moves are the first of what are expected to be many moves on the part
of the Whalers this coming offseason. Chrabascz had served as owner, GM and
manager this season's last place finish and last season's championship finish.
