Idaho Taters General Manager Mike Friedrich informed the Roger Dorn Baseball League Commissioner’s Office on Tuesday afternoon of his plans to officially retire, effective immediately. The move comes on the heels of the Taters best season in Franchise History as the Taters finished in the money for the first time while taking home a Wild Card pennant.
Friedrich made a name for himself in the Western Independent Fantasy League (WIFL) which started in 1988 where he doubled as Commissioner for a number of years. He was hired in November in 2014 as the Assistant General Manager of the Asti Grape Stompers, partnering with long-time friend Terry Shelley.
The duo put together a dominant roster in 2019, leading the RDBL in both hitting and pitching en route to the RDBL Regular Season Title while capturing the club's first East Bay Division pennant as well. That club still holds the record for most points in a RDBL Regular Season with 7,614.
Friedrich was tabbed as the new owner of the Adler's Man Crush Franchise which opened up at the end of 2019, only to be forced to wait an additional year due to the skipped 2020 COVID-season. Friedrich focused on laying down a long-term foundation, building a deep Farm System that was a largely cashed in to make their 2023 run. Top prospects Jackson Holliday, Evan Carter, Junior Caminero and Gavin Williams were all dealt along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Round Picks in the 2024 Reserve Draft.
The cupboard is hardly bare for whoever takes over as the next General Manager with Juan Soto (2/$65), Will Smith (3/$30), Sean Murphy (3R/$5), Marcus Semien (2/$37), Adolis Garcia (3D/$15), Chris Bassitt (2/$16), Justin Steele (2D/$5), Clayton Kershaw (2/$23) and Hunter Brown (2/$8) all candidates to return or bring back strong assets in an off-season deal.
The Farm System, while largely slashed through 2023 deals, still holds elite outfield prospect Walker Jenkins along with Brock Wilken, Gavin Cross and Spencer Jones.
"While saddened by the decision, we are grateful to everything Mike has brought to the Roger Dorn Baseball League over the past nine seasons" RDBL Commissioner Greg Shelley stated. "Personally, my Fantasy Baseball career started in Mike's living room as a kid trying to help steer his Dad to a WIFL Title before they agreed to grant me my own Franchise. It's been a pleasure competing against him in fantasy circles and wish him well."
The Commissioner’s Office is gathering Ownership applications and is expected to announce a decision on the future of the Franchise soon.
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