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Syracuse Mets

Syracuse Chiefs Issue Statement on Tex Simone

March 6, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Syracuse Mets News Release


The Syracuse Chiefs are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Anthony "Tex" Simone, the driving force behind Syracuse Chiefs baseball for more than 50 years. Simone was 86. The Chiefs mourn his passing and send their condolences to the Simone family and friends.

"Tex Simone is and always will be a Chief", said Chiefs General Manager Jason Smorol. "He deeply cared not only about baseball in Syracuse, but about his hometown city. We will honor him this year as the legendary figure he was."

Tex Simone led an extraordinary life and served an extraordinary career in Syracuse. He graduated from North High School, where he was voted Best Male Athlete for his baseball and basketball prowess, in 1947. Simone would go on to serve in the United States Army in Korea.

In 1961, Simone's long-standing affiliation with the Chiefs began when he joined the MacArthur Stadium grounds crew. Later that year, he was named the team's trainer and traveling secretary, starting a steady ascension to the top of the franchise. Simone advanced to the position of Business Manager and Public Relations Director in 1967.

Three years later, in October of 1970, Simone was officially named the team's General Manager - a position he held until his promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 1997, with his son John being named General Manager. Tex Simone served under those titles until his retirement in September of 2013. Upon his retirement, Simone was designated the team's Vice President Emeritus and a consultant for the club. In addition, from 1998 until his death, Simone served as Vice President of the International League.

"The Syracuse Chiefs are deeply saddened by the loss of this famous Central New York sports legend," said Chiefs President Bill Dutch. "He leaves behind a well-deserved legacy as a recognized "giant" in the baseball industry who was highly respected by his peers. Tex dedicated his entire adult life not only to his own family, but also to his extended one; his players, managers, staff, friends, fans, and colleagues throughout the region and country. The Chiefs' Board of Directors past and present extend their thoughts and prayers to the entire Simone family in this time of sorrow."

Tex Simone was praised with numerous honors throughout his career and life.

Simone was enshrined in the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame (1991), the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame (2001), the International League Hall of Fame (2008), the LeMoyne College Hall of Fame (2011) and the North High School Hall of Fame (2012). Simone was named International League Executive of the Year five times. In 1987, he and the Chiefs received the prestigious President's Award, awarded to the National Association club that best exemplifies the standards of the complete baseball franchise.

Simone's name will forever be memorialized at NBT Bank Stadium, the facility he strove to create that opened its gates in 1997. In his honor, the city of Syracuse designated the stadium's street as "Tex Simone Drive".

"Tex Simone was one of the guiding lights of the Syracuse Chiefs' franchise," said former Chiefs President and Honorary Director Don Waful.

"He formed outstanding personal and professional relationships and loved the game and his city. His enthusiasm, knowledge and personality were dominant throughout his whole life. Though he had chances to leave and work for major-league clubs, his ultimate love was Syracuse Chiefs baseball."

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