How I Almost Got an MLB Gibby for Orioles’ GM Dan Duquette
In early November, the Sporting News named Oakland Athletics VP and General Manager Billy Beane the 2012 Major League Baseball Executive of the Year. Six other executives received votes. Dan, unfortunately, didn’t earn a single one. I thought to myself, “Are you KIDDING me?!” But I saw hope on the horizon, a chance for redemption for my deserving friend.
Later that month, voting would begin for the 2012 GIBBY – a nickname for the “Greatness In Baseball Yearly” Awards presented annually by Major League Baseball. And unlike the Sporting News award, which was voted on by a small number of baseball execs, the GIBBY award for Executive of the Year would be decided by a broader group, including media and fans.
That’s where I came in. I suggested to Dan that he let me try to tackle this thing head-on with a strong, direct and highly targeted social media campaign. He loved it, and I put the wheels in motion.