Interview with the new boss

Had a chance this week to talk with new Wild Things managing director Todd Marlin, pictured, for a story that will appear in a future edition of the O-R. Here's a few quick things that came out of the interview:

- The new boss said two of his biggest points of emphasis will be ticket sales (adding more people to the ticket staff) and improving customer service.

- The list of potential managers has been trimmed to "three or four candidates." It should be wrapped up by late next week. More than 40 coaches have inquired about the opening.

- Though he helped put together the team when he was general manager of Bridgeport of the Atlantic League, Marlin will not handle that job with the Wild Things. Ross Vecchio and the manager will continue to put the baseball team together.

- Marlin said the Wild Things have a good reputation in independent baseball. "It's more on the business end. They have a fantastic logo and a great fan base. Throughout the industry they have a great reputation."

- He mentioned that he wants to focus on the entertainment value for the fans and keep the product fresh, though he didn't offer any ideas that I haven't heard or seen already."

New addition to front office?

Here is the link to a story about Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League naming a new general manager. Why is this newsworthy for this blog? Well, you'll notice that the Bluefish needed a new GM because their previous one, a guy named Todd Marlin, pictured, has left the organization to take a "similar position with the Washington (Pa.) Wild Things."

I contacted the Wild Things about this Wednesday and was told that a press release would likely be issued later in the day. Nothing was issued Wednesday, so stay tuned.

The Connecticut Post reported Nov. 26 that Marlin had resigned from the Bluefish. According to the newspaper, Marlin said he was seriously considering a new baseball opportunity closer to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, but couldn't comment on anything.

"I really can't talk yet," Marlin said. "There are still a lot of particulars out there that have to be worked out before any announcements can be made. But I'm excited."

Before go to the Bluefish, Marlin had spent eight seasons as the general manager of the Atlantic League's Nashua Pride (1998-2005) and spent a season with the Worcester Tornados of the Can-Am League in 2006.


Read the story here.

UPDATE: From the Wild Things' press release:

Todd Marlin has been hired to be the Managing Director of the organization.

“On behalf of the ownership group, we are extremely excited to have Todd Marlin join our team as Managing Director,” said Jeff Coury, Managing Partner. “His previous minor league experience makes him the perfect fit to lead our organization, while continuing our mission of offering affordable family entertainment and with making CONSOL Energy Park a vital asset within the community in 2010 and beyond. ”

“I’m very excited to join the Wild Things’ organization,” Marlin said. “This franchise has a fantastic reputation in the baseball world, and I look forward to making the 2010 season the best season yet.”