AP Source: Indians president Shapiro leaving for Blue Jays - Chicago Daily Herald
Shapiro barely finished his opening remarks before tearing up. "I almost made it all the way through," he said, turning to owner Paul Dolan. After rising through Cleveland's front office, building the Indians into consistent winners and directing the renovation of Progressive Field, Shapiro is leaving after this season to join the Toronto Blue Jays as their new president and CEO. It was a difficult decision for Shapiro, who became one of baseball's most respected executives in 24 years with the Indians. But the chance to grow personally and professionally in Toronto, a vibrant city that's caught baseball fever with the Blue Jays swinging their way to the top of the AL East, was irresistible. "I'm a lot about wanting to become better, wanting to grow, wanting to develop," Shapiro said. This opportunity for me would be the right challenge at the right time of our lives and of my life. The Blue Jays, who haven't been to the postseason since winning their second straight World Series in 1993, have been looking for a top executive for months and feel they've landed one of the best in the 48-year-old Shapiro. We have confidence that he is the right person to lead the Toronto Blue Jays into the future and build upon the franchise's legacy," Blue Jays Chairman Edward Rogers said. Source: www.dailyherald.com
