The Program
Rotarian of the Day Skip Burton introduced guest speaker Ken Young, president of the Norfolk Tides since 1993. Skip said that the Tides are a major asset to our region, drawing nearly 500,000 fans every year. He celebrated Young’s work with the Super Bowl, World Series, Olympics, and Outback Bowl. He also noted Young's membership on the Board of Trustees of Minor League Baseball, and that in 2009, he was named Baseball America’s Minor League Executive of the Year.
Despite his success with the Tides, Young said, “It’s not just baseball, it’s about family fun entertainment–that’s what we provide.” Success was easy in the early days, he said. “We really were the only thing to do in town,” but he added, “it’s a lot different” now. “We try to cater to millennials,” he added, “and we’re not always sure how to do that.” He said that the Tides changed their logo three years ago (to include a seahorse with trident, and a Norfolk "N" with anchor) to try to attract younger fans. Another Tides initiative to celebrate fans with Hispanic heritage was to change uniforms and play as the "Pajaritos De Norfolk" for five games during the 2019 season ("pajaritos" translation: "baby bird").
The Tides were affiliated with the NY Mets for 38 years until changing affiliation to the Baltimore Orioles in 2007. He noted that although you still see a few folks wearing Mets jerseys, most Tides fans are happy being part of the Orioles organization.
Young also owns four other Minor League teams. The Class AAA Albuquerque (NM) Isotopes are affililated with the Colorado Rockies; the Class AA Biloxi (MS) Shuckers, the Bowie (MD) Baysocks, and the Class A-Adv Frederick (MD) Keys are all affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles. He noted that the financial success of the Tides helped him to purchase these teams. Young said it’s a thrill to see players like Trey Mancini make good on an opportunity in the major leagues.
Young admitted that he knew our speakers were supposed to refrain from "plugging" merchandise, but when prompted by the audience, he went ahead and encouraged us to come out to the ball park and have fun. "Be sure to keep our vendors busy--have a beer!" Young said enthusiastically, adding that he had started out in the food service business.
In 2004, owners of the Norfolk Admirals hockey team wanted to sell, and Norfolk was on the verge of losing the team. Young was asked to help, and he decided to invest in the club. “That was a different experience,” he said. He called 2012 a highlight of his seasons with the Admirals. That’s when the team won 27 straight games, a North American Hockey League record. “The community got behind that like nothing I’ve seen in minor-league sports,” Young said. When the team won the Calder Cup championship, the city celebrated with a parade downtown.
Young was asked if Hampton Roads would ever get a Major League sports team. “It needs a lot more corporate support. I think it’s going to be difficult because of the lack of major corporate support here.” He said that an AHL hockey team could fill a 16,000-seat stadium. “I do think there’s a good chance in the next five years for a new arena,” he added. “We just need a bigger venue.
“It comes down to gross revenue and what it costs to put these things on. I think we’re going to see a change in sports all across the board,” he concluded.
The Meeting
Visitation Report—Bob Latimer is feeling well enough and looks forward to visits, which are better than phone calls (that are hard on his voice), and he’s open to lunch invitations as well. Bob Kuhlo was hospitalized with an inner ear infection while vacationing in Germany, but is recuperating well.
Introduction of Guests — Lorna Cochrane brought her friend Helen Timm, with whom she’s going to the RI Convention in Hamburg. President Pam introduced prospective Norfolk Rotarian Jessica Warren, who is in computer sales.
Club Business
- Suds & Buds—President Pam said the May 17 Suds & Buds was the best ever, and that the total of funds raised will be announced soon.
- Fond Farewell—President Pam noted that our fellow Rotarian and Norfolk Southern employee, Lindsay Russell, was with us today, but that he would be moving to Atlanta shortly.
FINES/HAPPY BUCKS
- Gus Stuhlreyer had a big check that covered happy news times three: for his 42nd wedding anniversary; for his sixth grandchild’s being on the way; and for purchase of a new (new) car.
- President Pam and Michael Desplaines both donated to celebrate all those connected with this year's successful Suds & Buds.
- Lindsay Russell gave in honor of this being his last Rotary meeting.
- Lisa Chandler gave for appearing in Inside Business, along with Shep Miller.
- David Brandt gave to celebrate his son’s being home for the summer and interning with LifeNet.
- Joel Heaton gave in honor of his new granddaughter.
