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Speaker

Eric Knighton, the new vice president and general manager of the Connecticut Tigers minor league team, spoke at the Putnam Rotary Club meeting recently. Left to right: Rotarian Ronald Coderre, Knighton, Putnam Rotary Vice President Rande Chmura and Rotarian Steve Adams. Photo courtesy of Doug Porter.

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

The Connecticut Tigers of the short season New York-Penn League is a long way from the bright lights of the big leagues.  According to Eric Knighton, vice president and general manager of the Detroit minor league franchise located in Norwich, the team can provide fans with much of the same action as that found in the Majors.

Knighton, a 29-year-old native of Utah and graduate of Weber State, speaks from experience.  A 10-year veteran of professional baseball, Knighton was on hand as the guest speaker of Atty. Stephen Adams at the Putnam Rotary Club April 15 and by the tone of his presentation the Connecticut Tigers have the right man in place to promote baseball in Eastern Connecticut.

“In minor league baseball in places like Norwich we work where people come to the ballpark to have fun and enjoy the opportunity to see the future stars of Major League baseball.  Our environment feeds everyone’s energy level,” said Knighton.

This season, professional baseball’s 20th year at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, the organization has plans to entice as many fans as possible to attend games.  The Tigers begin play in June so April and May gives local high schools and colleges a chance to play more than 50 games at the stadium and experience the feel of what it’s like to perform in a professional setting.

“Our goal as an organization is to give back to the community.  Since 2010 when the team began in Norwich we’ve given back more than $100,000 in cash, and in-kind gifts to area schools and programs.  We’re always looking for opportunities to work with Little Leagues and non-profit organizations,” said Knighton.

Knighton started in professional baseball as a radio broadcaster with the Ogden Raptors of the Dodgers system in the Pioneer League.  Following four years with the Raptors Knighton jumped at the chance to move into the front office with the Tigers, where he’s been for the past six years.  Although being a GM in the minors is much different than in the majors the opportunities for advancement are exciting.

“Although I don’t deal directly with player matters there are many details that must be addressed with regards to the stadium, concessions, housing arrangements and public relations that are part of the job.  Making Norwich an enticing place for families also keeps us in search of between inning activities that are fun and entertaining,” according to Knighton.

Life as a minor league administrator with the myriad of details that must be attended to daily doesn’t allow for much leisure time.  Knighton, who is single, admits that his days and weeks are packed but each day in baseball doesn’t necessarily feel like work, although it certainly is.  His main focus currently is to fill the seats at Dodd Stadium this season for the Tigers 76-game upcoming season.