The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs, Inc. (ALPB) announced that Rick White, former Major League Baseball executive, has been named Atlantic League president. In his role White will supervise all League business affairs as the League enters the next major phase of its strategic growth plan.
White was chosen following a nationwide search of sports and business executives conducted by the League’s search committee led by Jon Danos, and including other League Directors Peter Kirk, Seth Waugh, Josh Kalafer, and Frank Boulton.
Rick White was a top executive at Major League Baseball for over 15 years serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Major League Baseball Properties which oversaw trademark licensing, corporate marketing, publishing, international and special events. White originated sports’ first head-to-toe authentic fan apparel (“Diamond Collection”), pioneered vintage products (“Cooperstown Collection”), created sports fan festivals (“All-Star FanFest”) and launched MLB Clubhouse Shops.
White has held executive leadership positions at Nike, Imperial Headwear and Reed Exhibitions and has advised a variety of lifestyle, sports and collegiate clients on licensing and merchandising matters. At Nike, he managed three of Nike’s subsidiary companies – Cole Haan, Nike-Bauer Hockey and Nike Team Sports – from 1997 to 1999. He later became CEO of Phoenix Footwear and Imperial Headwear.
“We are very excited Rick has accepted our offer to become President of the Atlantic League,” said Danos. “The ambitious business plan we adopted last summer necessitates a full time, experienced executive to lead us during the next phase of our dynamic growth. I know I speak for the members of the Search Committee and all ownership in the ALPB when I say that we look forward to working with Rick as we build a bigger, better Atlantic League.”
”I am honored to join the Atlantic League at this pivotal stage of its evolution, White added. “ The League provides an exceptional platform for business and baseball development. ” It is exciting to work with visionary founders who have created a forward-thinking league model that occupies a notable place in professional sports.”
White will serve as the face and voice of the highest level of professional baseball, other than the Major Leagues. In collaboration with the Atlantic League Board of Directors and long-time Executive Director Joe Klein who directs Baseball Operations, he will implement the League’s strategic plan including future expansion.
White, his wife Lynne Cribari and their daughter Madison reside in Denver, CO.
The Atlantic League is the highest level of professional baseball other than the Major Leagues. Atlantic League players are all highly experienced professionals, “Major League Ready”, having progressed through the developmental levels (Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A). Approximately 40 percent of Atlantic League players have Major League service time. Like MLB, Atlantic League clubs pay their players to win baseball games, not be apprentices as in the developmental levels. It currently has eight teams.
