New England mourns, Whalers headed South November 30, 1999
Hartford, CT (AP)- It has been a busy week in Hartford's front office as
usual. In a week that saw Sterling Hitchock and Bernard Gilkey come in and
Bobby Witt head out, no one could have predicted what was announced this
evening. The best kept secret this week seemed to be that Whalers owner
Jeremy Chrabascz had an ace up his sleeve. Avoiding his usual arguments
with GM Peter Gammons over player personell decisions and allowing him to
do his job, Chrabascz was clearly focused on the other matters at
hand--hiring a manager and relocating the club.
Chrabascz stepped before the podium, shocking even Gammons himself, and
made the following announcement Live, on-air at 11:30pm CT on his stations
ESPN & ABC:
"The Hartford Whalers organization, having lost both on and off the field
the last two seasons, has decided to make a significant change. As a
businessman, it became clear to me that it was no longer profitable to
remain in Hartford. Revenue was non-existent and the fanbase disloyal,
inconsistent and unpredictable. Thus, I have decided to relocate the club
following private talks that have been conducted all season long. Much to
many people's surprise, it will seem, a significant building project has
also been completed over the course of this season. Not even our own
player and coaching personell knew anything about this. This will be the
first anyone has heard of any of this.
And without further ado, I am proud to announce a new chapter in our
organization. The Hartford Whalers organization will now be based out of
New Orleans, Louisana and will be referred to from here on in as The
Saints. We are extremely excited to announce that a beautiful, brand-new
outdoor stadium awaits us in New Orleans. It will be called Huey Long
Field in recognition of the late great politician from the great state of
Louisana. We are also proud to announce that our minor league AAA
affiliate, the Glastonbury Tomahawks, will also be moving South. The
Tomahawks will retain their nickname but will be based out of Lakeland,
Florida. They will use a stadium previously used by the Detroit Tigers of
MLB for Spring Training.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved with the
Hartford Whalers and its splendid history. Our first year was a memorable
one. However, it is time to create a new history, with plan in hand and
journey into the next century confident and proud."
Chrabascz went on to make yet another extraordinary announcement:
"It is also my pleasure to announce that we have completed our search,
Peter (Gammons) tells me, for our new Manager. Former MLB All-Star and
futue MLB Hall of Famer, Pete Rose will be joining the New Orleans
organization as full-time Manager. Interim manager Dwight Evans will
retain his former position as batting coach. Pete will be introduced to
all of you and photo opportunities will be provided to you once we have
settled into our new offices in Louisiana over the next 2 weeks."
Wow. A new location, a new stadium, a new team name and a new manager.
Could Chrabascz spring anything else on us?
No player response as yet.
So, please note for your records, all of you, that the Hartford Whalers are
now known as the New Orleans Saints. Matt, the simulation should also now
reflect the new locality and stadium. Thanks in advance, man.
