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In our continuing series, SportsBusiness Daily/SportsBusiness Journal asks top sports personalities for their thoughts, ideas, aspirations and likes. Today, Minor League Baseball President
PAT O'CONNER
.
What I like in an insight: Never be outworked.
An influential person in my career: GLENN HAYES, who owned/operated Hayes Concessions at horse racing tracks in the Columbus area. I worked for him during summer breaks in high school and college, and he became a mentor and close friend.
An out-of-the-box idea: Totally paperless society.
A timeless idea: The customer is always right.
A business deal: Win-win-win.
A sports facility: One that covers every angle ... fans, sponsors, participants.
A sports event: The perfection of 27 outs a side.
A strategy: Forethought, planning and execution.
A hire: Chemistry with the existing staff and a high upside potential.
A brand: Quality in every aspect.
A trend: More than a blip on the screen.
An innovation: Cutting edge with longevity.
A pro league or team business initiative: Diversity from a business perspective.
A story that bears watching: The economics of sport.
An idea or invention I wish I had thought of: Post-it note pads and Wite-Out.
A fantasy job: Commissioner of a major league sports property.
What I like about my job: The ability to make a difference.
Sports: The competition.
Sports business: The volatility.
Sports media: Its aggressive and passionate nature.
Sports technology: Geared toward the fan.
Competing: The results speak for themselves.
The future of sports business: Unlimited potential.
Sports fans: Passion and loyalty.
What I would like to change: Racism in America.
Change in what I do: Not be so anal.
See: Less greed.
See more of in sports: Genuine appreciation for the fans.
See more of in sports business: Unselfish acts.
See less of in sports: Less "me" and more "we."
See less of in sports business: Greed.
See different: Media sensationalism.
Eliminate: November baseball.
What I don't like in general: Cynicism.
Pet peeve: Mistakes created by a lack of preparation or effort.
In sports: Unnecessary showmanship.
In business: Lack of ethics or honesty.
About sports fans: Overly zealous behavior.
What I like in people: Genuine.
That would surprise those who know me: My insecurities.
Above all else: Family and friends.
About myself: My heart.
Heroes: Military, first responders, police.
Players: BAGWELL, BIGGIO and GUILLEN.
Teams: Those that commit to excellence.
City: The one I am in.
Possession: Umatilla (those who know me know where/what that is).
Memento: Not a collector of material things, but I have a small collection of personal photos.
Time of year: Spring ... hope springs eternal.
Music: '70s and '80s and country.
Books: I am not a reader.
Authors: None that come to mind.
Magazines: Baseball America.
Websites: MiLB.com.
Gadgets: I do not do gadgets.
iPad app: Do not own one (yet).
Chores: Mowing.
Hobbies: I do not do hobbies ... I used to fish.
Trips: My next one.
Movies: "Goodfellas," "High Plains Drifter," "Major League."
TV: "Seinfeld," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "The King of Queens."
Concerts: Anything BUFFETT.
Artist: VAN ARSDALE in Marriott hotels.
Food: Yes.
Dessert: Fruit with whipped cream or carrot cake.
Drink: Diet Pepsi.
Scent: Fresh baked bread.
Vacation spots: I do not really do vacations.
Cars: Cadillac DST.
Aftershave: Obsession.
Singer: Jimmy Buffett and ALAN JACKSON.
Quote: "It is better to have character than be one."
