Q&A with EL president Joe McEacharn

Where will you be on Opening Day?

Connecticut, seeing either the Connecticut Defenders or the New Britain Rock Cats. I'll visit one on the first day and one the next. I'll also be in Trenton on Apr. 10 -- it's a tradition for the league president to attend the defending champions' home opener.

What are you most looking forward to in the 2008 season?

We've spent a lot of effort this offseason upgrading our facilities. We've got one park with a new light system, another with a new clubhouse, and five new ballfields. Though it doesn't add to the bottom line, having top-notch fields really helps player development, and we try to lead the Minors in that sense.

Which Minor League player would you pay to watch play this year?

Austin Jackson.

What is one little-known fact about being a league president?

That we work for and serve Minor League Baseball and really have very little contact with the Major Leagues apart from being fans.

What is your favorite part about being league president?

Waking up each morning and going to work in an industry that I've loved since I was a kid.

What would you be doing if you didn't work in baseball?

I'd probably be a stay-at-home dad.

What's your favorite Minor League promotion?

Crazy Hot Dog Man in Reading, Pa.

What is your favorite Minor League memory?

This great throw Austin Jackson made last year pops to mind, and seeing Jacoby Ellsbury in Portland recently...but mainly it's just watching these amazing young athletes develop into the stars of tomorrow.

Have you ever witnessed a no-hitter? If so, when and where?

No, I haven't.

If I were a Minor League mascot, I would...

...be in trouble.