SWING REPORT: Volume XXXII

THREE FACTS AND YOU'RE OUT!

1. AAPI SPOTLIGHT: THE LEGEND OF KIM NG
2. OAKLAND ATHLETICS: ONE STEP CLOSER TO VEGAS, BABY
3. NOSTALGIC DIVE: BAZOOKA CANDY BRAND

AAPI HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT: THE LEGEND OF KIM NG

Kim Ng's love for baseball started by playing stickball on the streets of Queens, NY. Her journey led her to become one of the most successful softball players at the University of Chicago. The following timeline highlights her remarkable career in Major League Baseball:

• 1990: After graduating, Kim embarked on an internship with the Chicago White Sox. She applied her passion for statistics and report analysis to conduct research for the Rule 5 draft.
• 1991: Kim was hired full-time as a special project analyst and later advanced to become the team's Assistant Director of Baseball Operations.
• 1997: Kim briefly served as the Director of Waiver and Records at MLB. She achieved a milestone by winning a salary arbitration case, making her the youngest person to do so during her final year with the White Sox.
• 1998: Brian Cashman recruited Kim, making her the youngest Assistant GM at the time. Together, they led the team to three consecutive World Series Championships from 1998 to 2000.
• 2001: Kim assumed a dual role as Vice President and Assistant GM with the LA Dodgers.
• 2011: Kim was appointed as the Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations at Major League Baseball.

From 2005 to 2019, Kim Ng interviewed for five General Manager positions in major league teams. In 2020, she broke through barriers and made history by becoming the first Asian-American and first female GM in Major League Baseball, stepping up to bat with the Miami Marlins.

Swing Take: Kim Ng stands as a beacon of inspiration to minority groups and women in a male dominated industry known for its conservative nature.

https://tinyurl.com/3hrr787m

OAKLAND ATHLETICS ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO VEGAS, BABY

The Oakland A’s announced in November 2023 that the MLB organization would be uprooting their historic franchise from the grounds of the Oakland Coliseum to a brand new home on the grounds of the Tropicana Casino and Resort in the Las Vegas strip.

• Estimated cost: $1.5 billion
• Approved for $380 million in public funding by the county

The Oakland Athletics and owner John Fisher have partnered with Galatioto Sports Partners to broker $500 million in exchange for share of ownership to fund the project.

Galatioto Sports Partners, a prominent professional sports investment bank, is known for its multifaceted approach. They have successfully handled over 100 sports financing deals across the three major US sports leagues (MLB, NBA, NFL).

Sports business mogul, Ted Leonsis (Owner of the Washington Wizards, Capitals, Mystics) speaks highly of President of Galatioto Sports Partners, Sal Galatioto as “Old school... trusted... Gets shit done”.

The Oakland A’s will begin the 2025 season playing in their Triple-A affiliate stadium in Sacramento while the new stadium in projected to open by the 2028 season.

In the coming months, the Oakland A's are required to submit a non-relocation agreement ensuring their presence in Las Vegas for the next 30 years. Additionally, they need to provide construction plans and financial strategies for the billion-dollar project.

Swing Take: It's worth noting that if the A’s decide to relocate, they risk losing $380 million in public funding. Since Fisher took ownership in 2005, the A’s have considered moving to various locations such as Fremont, San Jose, three sites in Oakland, and now Las Vegas. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman finds the choice of the Tropicana lot puzzling and believes the A’s ultimately prefer to remain in Oakland. Keep an eye out in the coming months as potential Las Vegas baseball fans await Galatioto Sports Partners' ability to secure $500 million.

https://tinyurl.com/u9jdumn9

NOSTALGIC DIVE: BAZOOKA CANDY BRAND

Originally named "Topps Chewing Gum", Bazooka bubble gum was established in Brooklyn, New York shortly after World War II in 1947. The striking red, white, and blue packaging enclosing the delightful original bubble gum flavor quickly became a global hit with its renowned Bazooka Joe comics inside the wrapper. Since 1951, the company ventured into the sports cards industry and has since been a dominant force in the market.

Last year, The Topps Company Inc. made headlines by selling its trading card division to Fanatics for $500 million. The candy division was sold to APAX Capital for $700 million and rebranded as Bazooka Candy Brands, which continues to house a range of our beloved nostalgic candies from childhood: Ring Pops, Push Pops, Baby Bottle Pops, Juicy Drops and of course the famous Bazooka Bubble Gum.

Bazooka Candy Brands recently marked its 75th anniversary since its inception and disclosed a significant investment exceeding $10 million from a group of renowned athlete clients led by DJ Metcalf and CC Sabathia.

Swing Take: There are numerous bubble gum brands worldwide, yet nothing truly evokes nostalgia like opening a Bazooka bubble gum. As a timeless favorite, Bazooka brings back those cherished childhood memories. This exemplifies the essence and influence of branding.

https://tinyurl.com/bdzx8bsu

Thank you for subscribing to Swing Report where we bring you information on the intersection between sports, tech and business. Just three fastballs a week, every Wednesday.