Henry Aaron in Dodgers bidding? He says no
With the bidding process for the Dodgers about to start, each day brings fresh rumors of which baseball legends and billionaires might be interested in buying the team. Although some prospective buyers have identified themselves publicly, others have not.
The list of parties making contact with the investment bank handling the sale of the team reads like "a who's who of America," according to a person familiar with the sale process but not authorized to discuss it.
The most intriguing rumor early this week involved Henry Aaron. No offense to Steve Garvey, Orel Hershiser or Joe Torre, but it would be difficult for any prospective buyer to include a more distinguished baseball figure in a bid group.
Aaron is a senior vice president for the Braves, the team for which the Hall of Fame outfielder hit all but 22 of his 755 home runs. His biography in the Braves' media guide cites his business and community involvement, including his service on the board of directors of Medallion Financial Corp., based in New York. Medallion previously has pursued sports enterprises.
Medallion President Andrew Murstein said Aaron asked "a couple weeks ago" about whether Medallion might pursue the Dodgers.
"He brought it up to me," Murstein said.
"He would be a great asset to any group," Murstein said.
However, Aaron said through a spokeswoman that he would not be involved with any group pursuing the Dodgers.
Susan Bailey, the executive assistant to Aaron, told The Times via email: "I spoke with Mr. Aaron and he said he has no interest in a bid for the Dodgers or any other team."
RELATED:
Dodgers, Fox get another week for mediation
Dodgers accuse Fox of trying to drive down price of TV rights
The Jonathan Broxton ride moves to Kansas City
-- Bill Shaikin
Photo: Henry Aaron in 2007. Credit: Rob Carr / Associated Press