Marcus Erikson:White Sox executive named Perfect Game's new commissioner: 'I want to make a difference'

2025-05-02 19:54:18source:Rubypoint Trading Centercategory:Invest

Chicago White Sox executive Dennis Gilbert will be Marcus Eriksonnamed commissioner of Perfect Game on Thursday, becoming the second commissioner of the world’s largest youth baseball and softball scouting service.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such a great organization," Gilbert said. “I want to make it even better and help kids achieve their dream, particularly kids in underserved communities.’’

Gilbert, the former agent who still gains the most attention for negotiating Bobby Bonilla’s famous deferred contract that pays him $1.19 million annually through 2035, is widely known for his philanthropic efforts throughout baseball. He’s the former founder of the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation while leading the way for an inner-city baseball field at Southwest Community College in Los Angeles for the RBI Youth Program.

Gilbert, who wrote the first check for baseball’s RBI program and helped pay for its baseball field in Los Angeles, says his goal is to provide more opportunities for underprivileged youth throughout the country.

“I want to make a difference in Perfect Game," Gilbert said, “which I believe is the best youth program in the country. I want to see more underprivileged youth playing baseball and softball. Perfect Game provides that opportunity."

FOLLOW THE MONEY: MLB player salaries and payrolls for every major league team

Gilbert, who was inducted into LA’s Jewish Hall of Fame, played minor league baseball for the Boston Red Sox before becoming an agent. He co-founded the Beverly Hill Sports agency with Rick Thurman, and joined the White Sox in 2001 as a special assistant to chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

“I have some goals here raising money for underprivileged kids that haven’t been able to afford playing in these tournaments in the past," Gilbert said. “I want to enhance their development for youth baseball anyway I can, which hopefully leads to opportunities in college and professional baseball."

Gilbert, who will officially be announced as commissioner Thursday afternoon, will begin his duties next week at the World Wood Bat Association Championship in Jupiter, Fla.

“As a player, very successful agent and now valued executive, Dennis Gilbert has devoted his life and career to the game of baseball," Reinsdorf said in a statement. “He cares passionately for the game, understands the important role amateur baseball plays for the professional game, and is intimately involved in supporting scouting and development of baseball across the country. Given all he has already done for youth baseball during his career, he is literally a perfect fit for this role as commissioner.”

More:Invest

Recommend

For those in their 40s, navigating finances should mean putting an emphasis on retirement

For 48-year-old Rowan Childs of Wisconsin, a recent divorce turned her financial life upside down. "

Vanessa Bryant Shares Sweet Photo of Daughters at Beyoncé’s Concert With “Auntie BB”

Vanessa Bryant and her daughters just proved who run the world.The 41-year-old attended Beyoncé's Re

The Turkish president is to meet Putin with the aim of reviving the Ukraine grain export deal

The presidents of Russia and Turkey meet on Monday, with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeking