War Memorial Stadium... "The Rockpile" by Bob Gaver located in Buffalo New York Former home of the Buffalo Bisons! |
"After the disastrous '82 season, the Bisons were $70,000 in debt and practically
belly-up. They had made a little money the first two years, but had lost heavily
the next two. It was obvious a white knight was needed. Rescue came in the
form of the Rich Products Corp., a highly-successful frozen-food company, founded
by Robert E. Rich, Sr. The Rich interests offered to invest enough to payoff
the debts, buy up the stock at 10 cents on the dollar and set up an operating
fund. The deal was struck. (It is believed $100 to $115 thousand was the consideration).
Robert E. Rich, Jr. became president, while Don Colpoys stayed on as
general manager, assisted by Jack Tracz. Michael J. Billoni, ex-Courier-Express
reporter, was hired as director of publicity and promotions. The Bisons then entered
into a working agreement with the Cleveland Indians, who sent as manager,
Alan Mitchell Edward George Patrick Henry Gallagher. (That's one name). He preferred
to be called "Dirty Al." Revival on the field and at the box office was
almost instantaneous." *Buffalo Bisons |