In looking back at the last three years I've spent with the Trenton Thunder, one thing stands out. The way you treat the media that visits your office everyday is both rare and outstanding. There is a sense we're part of the team, I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we all feel that when you answer each one of our questions you're making us feel our question was the most important, your answers are always thoughtful, interesting, and often with a dose of humor. You seem to truly understand the job we're trying to do. That's not every manager.
I've spoken only once, last night, about a very difficult incident with a player at the end of the 2010 season. I don't think I ever properly thanked you for what you did for me and, in turn, did for every woman in the industry. I don't know if you know how meaningful and powerful a statement you made. You have been nothing but supportive and protective of me. As a woman, and usually the only one in the clubhouse, knowing you are behind that door has led me to feeling at ease whenever I'm in there. But it's led me to feel that way no matter where I am in baseball. You let me know I deserved respect.
I know that's a similar sentiment every writer feels in seeing you everyday. Your gracious smile, easy humor, and way of explaining things so generously and with such passion makes our job a lot easier.
Hearing you're not well, I reacted not as a professional, nor did my colleagues Mike Ashmore or Josh Norris, but as a friend we were concerned for.
It would be too difficult to say directly how much you've meant to me in my career. I'll do it here, hope you see it, but if not, I want everyone to know what a tremendous man sits in the managerial chair at One Thunder Road.