Bob Richmond is retiring as president of the short-season-A Northwest League at the end of the calendar year, according to the league directors.
For 30 years, Richmond has overseen the growth of the Northwest League as it developed into one of Minor League Baseball’s most diverse and profitable entities.
“For 30 years, I have been proud to help develop the growth of this game here in the Northwest. It just feels right to step back from the Northwest League at this time in my life and I would like to spend a little more time among my family and friends,” states Richmond, who will still remain as an advisor to the Northwest League while maintaining his other assets in baseball.
“When I first took this position, I was actually brought on to find a League President, not realizing that the job would eventually be mine. I held the title for eight years [1974-81] before taking on some different projects, but found my way back to the Northwest for a second stint that began in 1991 and I have been doing it ever since.
“It is a great league that has produced a number of great people both on and off of the field and I take a lot of pride in seeing the state our league is in today. From keeping franchises afloat during some lean times to expanding our brand into Canada, I am honored to have been a part of this great game,” adds Richmond.
Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner spoke to Bob’s passion and commitment to the Northwest League: “Bob has been a stabilizing and steady force in the game for many years. His long tenure speaks to his commitment and dedication to the NWL and Minor League Baseball as a whole. Bob is a great friend, respected leader and will be missed by us all.”
The Northwest League and its Directors will begin a thorough and active search in the coming days with a successor to be named at a later date.
Richmond, who has also served as President of the Arizona League since its inception in 1988, graduated from the University of Oregon’s School of Law in 1964 and is a member of the Oregon Bar Association. He began his career in professional baseball as an attorney for several clubs and leagues, before eventually becoming a full-time baseball executive.
Not only is he a part of the Northwest and Arizona Leagues, Richmond also is President of Baseball Opportunities, Inc., a consulting firm to Professional Baseball for the purpose of representing buyers and sellers of Minor League Baseball franchises.
Richmond also currently runs a baseball franchise as an owner. He co-owns the Double-A Midland RockHounds of the Texas League and has been a part of that franchise since the 1990 season. Along with co-owner Miles Prentice, Richmond has guided the RockHounds to a reputation of being one of the most respected and successful Minor League organizations in the United States. Under their leadership, the RockHounds are known as a baseball franchise which is dedicated to providing affordable, quality, family entertainment to baseball fans in Midland.
In 1999, Richmond received the Warren Giles Award which is given to outstanding presidents in Minor League Baseball.
Richmond and his wife Sandy have two children and three grandchildren. His son, Rob Richmond, has worked with him in baseball for 19 years.
The Executive Committee of the Northwest League of Professional Baseball is currently accepting applications for the position of President of the League. To receive a copy of the President’s Job Description email Andy Dunn at adunn@canadiansbaseball.com, Jerry Walker at jwalker@volcanoesbaseball.com, or Andy Billig at abillig@spokanechiefs.com.
Anyone interested in applying for the position should send a resume and letter of interest to the Northwest League Executive Committee. Please email the resume and letter of interest to Andy Dunn at adunn@canadiansbaseball.com
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