MLB: Epic Trade Stories in Funerals, Hospitals, and Bars!

Unforgettable Stories from the Business World in Baseball: When Life Intertwines with the Game

The world of baseball, with its relentless schedule and the constant need to improve, demands a lot from its executives. From births to funerals, the work of a Major League general manager never ceases, especially during the frenetic trade season that culminates on July 31st. Alofoke Deportes presents some of the most curious and revealing anecdotes of these professionals, where negotiations intersect with the most personal moments.

Emergencies, Childbirth, and the Silence of the Phone: When Life Interrupts the Game

Matt Arnold, general manager of the Brewers, shares his experiences with Andrew Friedman, current president of the Dodgers, during their time with the Tampa Bay Rays. Arnold recalls two occasions when Friedman had to deal with the pressure of negotiations from extreme medical situations. The first, while recovering from appendicitis, and the second, during the birth of his son. In both, the Rays team stayed in contact, even in the most delicate moments, to close important deals.

“We spent July 31st in the hospital with him, medicated, going in and out of consciousness. We were trying to reconstruct the conversations we had had with him while he was in a lot of pain. It was crazy,” commented Arnold.

Matt Arnold

Chris Getz, general manager of the White Sox, experienced the complexity of negotiations during his uncle’s funeral. Despite being in a personal moment of mourning, the calls did not cease, forcing him to balance his family commitment with the demands of the job. Similarly, Zack Minasian, general manager of the Giants, had to manage an international transaction while attending his grandmother’s funeral, demonstrating the dedication and sacrifice that this role demands. Another executive, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted how he had to interrupt a family dinner to finalize a deal. Mike Hazen, general manager of the Diamondbacks, faced communication challenges during a family vacation while trying to complete an important trade.

Weak Connections and Last-Minute Decisions: The Chaos of Transfers

Jed Hoyer, current president of the Cubs, recalled his experience as a young executive for the Red Sox in 2004. During the trade deadline, Hoyer had difficulty understanding a call from Dodgers general manager Paul DePodesta due to a poor connection. John Mozeliak, an executive for the Cardinals, also suffered communication problems during a golf game, forcing him to negotiate from his car, in the middle of a storm. Carter Hawkins, current general manager of the Cubs, relived the moment when a trade was interrupted by a regulatory confusion, forcing him to inform the players that they would not be traded, only to retract two weeks later. Jim Duquette, former general manager of the Orioles, shared the frustration of seeing how a key trade fell through due to the owner’s decision, without any explanation. Hoyer also recalled the complex transfer of Manny Ramírez, which was finalized after the deadline. These stories illustrate the chaotic and often unpredictable nature of the transfer world.

Unexpected Successes and Missed Opportunities: The Impact of Decisions

Jerry Dipoto, known as “Trader Jerry”, recounted how the acquisition of Ernesto Frieri transformed the Angels’ bullpen, exceeding all expectations. Dipoto also revealed a bold trade with the Padres, which allowed him to acquire Matt Brash, a baseball prospect. Jim Duquette shared the story of Scott Kazmir’s transfer, which was influenced by a sponsorship deal and ultimately did not benefit his team. Zack Minasian, during his time with the Brewers, recounted how he was on the verge of closing a deal to bring Félix Hernández to Milwaukee, a transfer that ultimately did not materialize. Hazen recalled how not acquiring Manny Machado turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed the D-backs to obtain Zac Gallen, a key player for the team’s future. These stories demonstrate how, in baseball, decisions can have unexpected consequences, both positive and negative.