Some sad news to pass along: long-time Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) General Manager Bill Gorman passed away this weekend in Arizona.
Gorman served as General Manager with the Omaha Royals for more than 30 years from 1971 until 2001, and was recognized as the American Association Executive of the Year in 1981. Prior to joining the club, he served as General Manager of the Visalia Mets (High A; California League) and earned The Sporting News’ Class-A Executive of the Year Award in 1969.
“We are very saddened to hear the news of Bill Gorman’s passing and we send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this time,” said Storm Chasers President and General Manager Martie Cordaro. “Bill had a profound impact on Omaha professional baseball and his legacy lives on with this franchise.”
“Bill was as fine a human being as I have had the privilege to know,” said Pacific Coast League President Branch B. Rickey. “He was valuable to making Triple-A baseball such an important part of the Omaha landscape.”
Under Gorman’s tutelage, the franchise’s average attendance steadily soared by over 4,000 fans during his 30-plus seasons. On the field, the Omaha Royals team won two league championships and ten division titles during his time with the club. He also helped guide the Royals in the 1998 transition from the American Association to the Pacific Coast League.
Gorman is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter April, and son Wil.