DALLAS – In a momentous announcement during the Baseball Winter Meetings, John Blundell, the Vice President of Communications for Major League Baseball, has been bestowed with the highly prestigious 2024 Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence. This award, named after the renowned baseball executive, holds great significance in the realm of baseball public relations. Blundell's remarkable career and contributions have now been recognized on a grand scale.

Blundell's Leadership in Baseball Public Relations

Blundell's Journey with Major League Baseball

Blundell's association with Major League Baseball dates back to his early days when he began his career with the New York Yankees. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to the sport, completing an impressive 26 full-time seasons. His responsibilities encompass a wide range of public relations functions, including the seamless management of media operations and media accreditation for the World Series and the entire Postseason. He also plays a crucial role in organizing the All-Star Game and special domestic and international events.Blundell's work extends far and wide, serving as an MLB liaison to the 30 MLB Club PR Departments, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA), and other important organizations. His efforts have been instrumental in the planning and execution of media logistics at MLB events in various corners of the world, including Australia, Brazil, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. His dedication to ensuring smooth media coverage and interactions has been truly remarkable.

Blundell's International Impact

Since 2006, Blundell has served as a press officer for USA Baseball's national teams in various international competitions. His presence at events such as the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2013 World Baseball Classic has been crucial in promoting American baseball on the global stage. His ability to handle media relations and present the sport in the best light has earned him great respect and admiration.Blundell's work is not limited to the United States; he has made significant contributions to the growth and development of baseball in different countries and regions. His efforts in facilitating media coverage and building relationships with international media have helped to expand the reach and popularity of baseball worldwide.

Blundell's Family and Community

In addition to his professional achievements, Blundell's personal life also plays an important role. He and his wife, Ivón, have two children, Martín and Ivanna. His family provides him with the support and motivation to continue his work in the baseball industry and make a positive impact.Blundell's commitment to the sport and his community extends beyond his professional responsibilities. He is actively involved in various initiatives and activities that promote baseball and give back to the community. His dedication and passion for the game are truly inspiring.

Terry Francona, a renowned name in baseball, recently made a significant move. Just over two months after being introduced as the Cincinnati Reds' manager, he was seen at the check-in desk of the Hilton Anatole hotel with a navy blue wheeled suitcase bearing the embroidered red Art Deco-inspired “C” of the Cleveland Guardians. This suitcase holds a story of his baseball journey.

Taking a Break and Focusing on Health

When Francona walked away from the Guardians after the 2023 season, there seemed no need for new luggage. However, in the 14 months that followed, he took a year off. During this time, he watched a lot of baseball but never thought about managing the games. Instead, he enjoyed the sport like a fan. Francona mentioned that he had a good year during his time off. The only time he even considered managing again was when he was looking after his grandkids while his daughters were in Europe. But in front of the reporters, he was back in his element. His year away from baseball was focused on his health. It has been 11 months since he had a surgery, which he believes might be a record since he tore his knee as a player with the Expos in 1982. His list of ailments and surgeries is quite extensive and rivals his accomplishments in the game.

Meeting the Reds' Stars

With his health in check, Francona has already visited the Dominican Republic to meet with the Reds' biggest star, shortstop Elly De La Cruz. He also met with their highest-paid position player, infielder Jeimer Candelario, and a young player, Noelvi Marte, who had a tough year. Francona said, "They remind me a lot of Cleveland a couple years ago, young, athletic, they seem like really good kids. I think they want to get good. You like to think you could make a difference."

Building the Coaching Staff

Francona put together a coaching staff that includes eight holdovers from the previous staff and Brad Mills, his college teammate, friend, and former bench coach with both Boston and Cleveland. He and Mills also went to Laredo, Texas, to talk with Freddie Benavides, who was the only other candidate to interview for the job. Benavides, 58, agreed to join the staff along with Mills, sharing the title of bench coach.

Preparing for the Upcoming Season

This past week, Francona and his coaching staff met in Cincinnati to start preparing for the upcoming season. Francona said, "I think it reinforced some things. I think our guys want to be coached and maybe want to be held to maybe a higher (standard) — you know, things that will help us get better." The Reds have young talent but struggled defensively in the past couple of years and were sometimes overly aggressive on the bases. Francona's peers see him as someone who can handle any kind of team. He has succeeded in both big (Boston) and small (Cleveland) markets, with veteran and young teams alike. His experience is expected to make a difference for the Reds, who entered the 2024 season with high expectations but ended up with more questions than answers. Pat Murphy, who won the National League Central in his first year as the Milwaukee Brewers manager and was named Manager of the Year, said, "I think he's one of the greats myself." Francona's replacement in Cleveland, Stephen Vogt, won this year's American League Manager of the Year award, and Matt Quartaro finished second. Both Vogt and Quartaro coached under Francona and have great respect for him. Quartaro said, "He's an ultimate difference maker from top to bottom. Everybody's included. I remember when he hired me, it was a feeling of — that was the biggest decision they were going to make that winter was hiring me as an assistant hitting coach. He has the ability to welcome people, teach people. You're going to learn a lot just by watching him and listening to him."