Prospect Leagues Announces New Commissioner
December 6, 2016 - Prospect League (Prospect)
Chillicothe Paints News Release
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Following a nationwide search, the Prospect League has hired longtime baseball executive Dennis Bastien as its Commissioner.
Bastien has spent more than 20 years as an Owner, President and General Manager in Minor League Baseball, including with the then Class-A Charleston Wheelers, and was named Minor League Baseball's "Executive of the Year" in 1988 by Baseball Sporting News.
Becoming the Commissioner was about timing for Bastien. "After the last 15 years of recruiting, coaching and scouting, I was seeking to finish out my professional career directing an amateur professional league in the Midwest," said Bastien.
Bastien is well known in the industry for his public speaking, corporate sales presentations and his experience guiding league expansion through city and ballpark research and development.
"Like signing players, we want the best. Sometimes you sign that last-minute player that ends up being an all-star," said Prospect League President and Interim Commissioner Bruce Rosselli. "After honing down for an interview with the top three candidates, I got the call from Mr. Bastein. I knew within five minutes on the phone, we might have that all-star, and included him in the interview process with the Executive Committee, and he was a hit."
"It is a unique honor and privilege to be named Commissioner of the Prospect League. It is truly an outstanding organization and historic league," said Bastien. "Their directors have been amazing in their process and we were extremely blessed to even be considered."
Bastien added, "I feel God led us to this position and through Him, we will all work to elevate the Prospect League to its highest level. We are very humbled and proud and look forward to working with the teams, their leaders and each current and future organization."
The position for Commissioner became available when Bryan Wickline's two-year term ended September 30, and he chose not to seek an extension. Wickline's commitment to the league will continue as Owner/Operator of the Chillicothe Paints.
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Prospect League Stories from December 6, 2016
- Prospect Leagues Announces New Commissioner - Chillicothe Paints
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