A look at Sandy Alderson
The Sandy Alderson file
Son of Air Force pilot who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Graduated Dartmouth (1969).
Four years as Marine Infantry Officer, including eight-month tour in Vietnam.
Graduated Harvard Law School (1973).
Left private law practice to become Athletics' general counsel in 1981.
Took over as Athletics' general manager in 1982, at age 35, after firing of Billy Martin.
Pioneered use of statistic-based analysis in evaluating players. Hired Billy Beane, who later used that as the foundation for the "Moneyball" philosophy he's relied on as Athletics' GM. Alderson also credited as mentor of Reds GM Walt Jocketty and former Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi. Opened door for new generation of "academic" GMs like Rays' Andrew Friedman and Rangers' Jon Daniels.
Guided Athletics' to four AL West titles, three straight World Series appearances (1988-90) and one world championship in 1989.
Had three straight Rookie of the Year winners in Jose Canseco ('86), Mark McGwire ('87) and Walt Weiss ('88). Also Ben Grieve in 1998.
Left Athletics in 1998 to work for commissioner's office in overhauling the game in the areas of umpiring and international development.
Hired by Padres in 2005 as chief executive officer and minority owner. During his tenure, San Diego lost in the first round of the playoffs twice (2005-06) and replaced manager Bruce Bochy with Bud Black before Alderson resigned in 2009 to return to commissioner's office.
Appointed by commissioner Bud Selig to direct Major League Baseball's reform efforts in the Dominican Republic. Alderson targeted age fraud, use of performance-enhancing drugs andbuscones, otherwise known as illegal street agents.
