Q&A with IL president Randy Mobley

By Andrew Tarica

March 30, 2006

Ohio native Randy Mobley is getting ready to begin his 16th season as president of the International League. Mobley, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Ohio State University, got his first job in baseball back in 1980. He was a part-time intern with the Clippers. In the years since, Mobley worked his way up through the organization before moving over to the International League office as an administrator in 1985; he was later elected president of the IL in December 1990. In 2002, he was named Minor League Baseball "Executive of the Year" by Baseball America.

What makes the International League special?

It's the oldest league in all of Minor League Baseball and the second-oldest league in all of professional baseball, behind only the National League. We're even older than the American League.

Outside of the IL, what's your favorite Minor League ballpark?

I'm going to say [Isotopes Park in] Albuquerque. It has multiple levels, a grandstand behind home plate with a press box, suites and so forth. And when you stand out in shallow center field looking back toward home, it gives you a very large-stadium feel.

Who is the best player you've seen come through the International League?

Derek Jeter. He didn't win any MVPs, but his talent was pretty apparent.

What's the one initiative you'd like to see accomplished before your term ends? I would like a stronger working relationship between Major League teams and their Minor League affiliates.

What's your favorite offseason activity?

Spending time in warm, sunny places.

Being the league president is...

An honor.

What's the best thing about Minor League Baseball?

The connection between our teams and their fans.

Andrew Tarica is an editor for MLB.com.