By: Taylor McGillis, Online Editor
Jeff Gray, former Saint Leo University student and 2012 graduate, was named the general manager of the Bluefield Blue Jays on Saturday, Sep. 22, as announced by club president George McGonagle.
The Bluefield Blue Jays are a rookie ball affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball and play in the Appalachian League in Bluefield, Va. Gray, 22, became the youngest general manager in professional baseball when he took over the club on Oct. 1.
“This is a once–in-a lifetime opportunity,” Gray said. “Becoming a general manager was a goal of mine, as it is for anyone who works in baseball or wants to work in baseball.”
Gray has an extensive background in professional baseball, starting with his first job as a batboy for the Auburn Doubledays of the New York-Penn League. Most recently, he was the associate general manager of the U.S. Military All-Stars as they played on their “Red, White and Blue Tour” this past year.
“We are excited about the hiring of Jeff Gray as the youngest general manager in professional baseball with his hiring at the Bluefield Blue Jays,” Associate Professor of Sport Business Eric Schwarz said.
“Jeff’s passion for working in professional baseball, his academic preparation in sport business here at Saint Leo, and his extensive experience, including numerous positions in the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization throughout high school and college, made him the prime candidate for this position. We are very proud of Jeff, and the Saint Leo sport business program stands ready to help him – and all of [our]alumni – succeed in this exciting executive position.”
Although Gray’s age has become the story for some people, he does not think much of it.
“The age thing isn’t really a factor for me,” Gray said. “As I go into Bluefield, I’m going to become an active member of the community and try to put a system in place for the organization to improve and be successful.”
In addition to Gray’s vast baseball experience and connections in the industry, he credits the sport business program for preparing him for this kind of opportunity.
“The sport business program at Saint Leo gave me opportunities to work in various avenues of sports,” Gray said.
“The hands-on learning experience in the program helped me get a view of different types of jobs, and definitely helped prepare me for the position with Bluefield.”
Gray does have aspirations to continue to move up the ranks and work as a general manager or vice president for a Major League Baseball club, but right now he is solely focused on Bluefield and the wonderful opportunity that he stands before.
For students who would like to someday be where Gray is, he suggested getting involved as early and often as possible.
“Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and seek out opportunities,” Gray said. “People will not do the work for you. Build yourself a strong base of connections and get as much experience as you can to prepare yourself for future jobs.”
