Bluefish to Honor General Manager on September 14th
By PAUL HERRMANN
(Bridgeport,) The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the Sunday, September 14th, 1:05 pm game vs. the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will be "Ken Shepard Day", in honor of the team's current General Manager, who is fighting stage 4 kidney cancer. Earlier this season, Shepard announced 2014 would be his last as GM, as his battle against Cancer continued. "Ken and I have worked together for over twenty years in the great game of baseball," says Bluefish principal owner Frank Boulton. "As GM of four of my teams, Ken approached each game with a level of respect for the fans and corporate partners that is unparalleled in our industry. Ken continues to battle his kidney cancer with great dignity and courage. He will be sorely missed by the entire Bluefish community. Hopefully, all of Ken's Bluefish fans will join us on September 14 as we celebrate and honor this remarkable man's baseball career." Shepard, General Manager of the Bluefish since 2012, has been involved in professional baseball for over 20 years. He has been GM of several teams, including clubs in Geneva, New York, Prince William, Virginia, Savannah, Georgia, Wilmington, Delaware and the Atlantic City Surf, one of six Atlantic League charter member teams. A self professed "innovative risk taker that loves change", Shepard once slept in a press box in Geneva and vowed to stay there until the team broke its losing streak. The gimmick became national news and helped increase attendance 36% over the previous season. Two of Shepard's operations won the prestigious Larry MacPhail Promotional Award, given to a club each season that demonstrates best promotional efforts in minor league baseball. On Ken Shepard Day, the Bluefish will be wearing commemorative jerseys that will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the Shepard family. The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs will be making an announcement prior to the game regarding plans to honor Shepard going forward. For further information on Ken Shepard Day, fans are encouraged to visit the team on the web (bridgeportbluefish.com), Facebook (facebook.com/BridgeportBluefish), or Twitter (@BPTBluefish).Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
