Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox GM headed south

Published on March 18, 2004 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


(Brockton, MA – March 18, 2004) The Brockton Rox announced Thursday that General Manager Dave Echols is leaving the club to accept the role as General Manager of the Charleston (SC) RiverDogs, class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Rox Assistant G.M. David Sacchetti will take over as General Manager, effective April 1.

The Rox enjoy a management consulting agreement with the Goldklang Group, a firm based in New Jersey. The RiverDogs are owned and operated by the Group.

"It was a bit of a shock," Echols said. "But having spent several years in Charleston, it holds a special place in my heart. I feel honored that the Goldklang Group has given me the opportunity to come back to my roots and I look forward to this challenge. Brockton is in great hands with Dave Sacchetti and (Rox President) Jim Lucas and is ready for another championship season."

Echols has been with the Rox since their inaugural season. He guided the organization through the start-up process in less than four months prior to the 2002 season continuing through the championship run in 2003. For his efforts, Echols was honored as 2003 Northeast League Executive of the Year.

"Dave Echols was a major factor in the success of the Rox," said Rox Principal Owner Van Schley. "He was instrumental in getting the organization going and bringing them to a high level. He will be sorely missed."

From 1999-2001, Echols served as Charleston RiverDogs Assistant General Manager. The University of Dayton graduate has also worked in the front office for clubs in Fayetteville, NC, Columbus, OH and Kinston, NC.

"I am going to miss the passion of the Brockton fans and the immediate attachment they made to our ballclub," Echols said. "It's disappointing I won't be here to see us defend our League Championship and attendance crown. We are poised to do great things."

Like Echols, David Sacchetti has been with the Rox since day one. After 16 years in the airline industry, a chance meeting in 1995 with promotional guru and Goldklang Group President Mike Veeck led to a job offer and career change for Sacchetti a year later. In December 1996, the Mount Vernon, NY native joined the Charleston RiverDogs to work in the ticket sales department.

After two seasons in Charleston followed by two years away from baseball, Sacchetti returned to the game in December 2000 as Assistant General Manager of the Duluth Superior Dukes. Five months later, he was named General Manager of the Dukes. Sacchetti returned to the Goldklang Group in October 2001 to prepare for the Rox inaugural season.

"I came to Brockton for two reasons," Sacchetti said. "The first was to return to the Goldklang Group. The second was to be near my family. This promotion is the perfect culmination for me."

"Dave (Echols) has laid the groundwork. I am excited to take over where he is leaving off, continuing the tradition we have been fortunate to establish in such a short timeframe."

The Brockton Rox begin their defense of the Northeast League crown May 27 vs. Quebec at Campanelli Stadium.

"The team will be in excellent hands with Dave Sacchetti," Schley said. "He is an experienced minor league General Manager and will bring great enthusiasm to the job."

The Rox play a 92-game schedule in the eight-team independent league. The club plays its home games in the "City of Champions" state-of-the-art baseball facility, Campanelli Stadium, adjacent to the Shaw's Center, a meeting and banquet facility.

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Canadian American League Stories from March 18, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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