Former Wings General Manager Bob Drew Passes Away
March 22, 2017 - International League (IL1)
Rochester Red Wings News Release
ROCHESTER, NY - Former Rochester Red Wings General Manager Bob Drew passed away at his home in Sun City, FL on Sunday, March 19 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.
Drew called the longest professional baseball game in history, a 33-inning affair between the Red Wings and Pawtucket Red Sox on April 18, 1981. Bob's taped broadcast, scorebook and other memorabilia are on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Drew's baseball career began in 1971 with the Wichita Aeros, Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, as business manager. His first General Manager role came in 1975 with the Lafayette Drillers, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Drew spent 1976 with the San Antonio Brewers, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. In 1977 he received a call he had been waiting for as a kid and joined the Rochester Red Wings as Assistant General Manager. Drew grew up attending Red Wings games at Silver Stadium as a member of the Knot Hole Gang. Bob was promoted to GM in 1979 after Don Labbruzzo stepped down from the role due to health reasons. Drew spent three more seasons with the Wings before being named the President and GM of the newly formed Madison Muskies, Single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
"Bob was a well-liked and popular Red Wings General Manager and remained a good friend of the Wings throughout his life," Rochester Red Wings President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver said. "He will be missed by many in Rochester and throughout the baseball world."
Over his 25 years in baseball, Bob became friends with many fans, players, media and co-workers. He was widely respected in the baseball community and loved by many.
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