Most people might remember Ned Colletti as the General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But this most accomplished veteran was also a PR director and contract negotiator for the Chicago Cubs, Assistant General Manager of the San Francisco Giants, analyst on Dodgers’ TV, New Times best selling author, instructor at Pepperdine university and oh, did I mention a scout for the San Jose Sharks?
Yes, Colletti is one of a handful of people who have worked professionally in two sports. “First time in my life to think about ok, do I change a course, do I change a path?”
Thanks to the consistent pestering from then GM Doug Wilson, a player he used to cheer for, when Wilson was a stellar defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 80s, did Colletti finally said “yes” to.
Colletti Started In Chicago
Colletti remembers when Andre Dawson came to Cubs camp as a free agent in 1987 and he and his agent gave GM Dallas Green a chance to sign the great star to a blank check. “Dallas wasn’t happy about it. He was being put on the spot.” But they signed Dawson to a $500,000 deal plus incentives and all he did was win the National League’s most valuable player award for a last place team!
Colletti also dealt with the notorious Barry Bonds. “I found him to be one of the most interesting people I’ve ver been around. Very engaging when he wanted to be. There was a side of him the media never saw and he didn’t care.”
Colletti spends his time traveling, and a lot up and down the west coast and Las Vegas. Plus, there are his myriad classes he teaches at Pepperdine.”I wasn’t a very good student in high school. Years later….I’m giving the commencement speech at Pepperdine!”
Nearing 70, Colletti still loves what he does.”I’m on the back nine. I might be on 18, I might be on 17, I might be on 15 but I’m definitely on the back nine of life.”
Considering what Colletti continues to accomplish, I’ll select hole 15 and eventually meet him on the 19th!
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