Q&A with MWL president George Spelius

Where will you be on Opening Day?

With so many things going on, including having new umpires, I like to stay in the league office in case anything is needed.

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

Having halfway-decent weather for our games in April and May.

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

No one in particular. With 14 teams, we have so many great prospects in the Midwest League that I can't pick just one.

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

That my main concern throughout the season is that we don't have any players badly injured.

What is your favorite part about being league president?

I like being able to interact with our fans. For 22 years I've been able to sit down in the crowd and introduce myself and talk to the fans.

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

I'd probably be working as a florist -- the Beloit Floral Co. has been operated by our family since 1916.

What's your favorite Minor League promotion?

I don't have a particular favorite, but I like the ones geared to young kids best -- the way their faces light up.

What is your favorite Minor League memory?

A playoff game on Sept. 13, 2002 in Lansing. It was game four of the best-of-five finals, and Peoria was leading two games to one. Lansing had a 10-3 lead going into the ninth inning, but Peoria scored eight runs to win, 11-10.

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

I saw Jared Lansford of Kane County throw a seven-inning no-hitter against Beloit on May 14, 2006.

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

...keep it a secret -- I don't want to upstage anyone!