Courtesy of RedWingsBaseball.com
ROCHESTER, NY – Rochester Red Wings Director of Security, Blaise DiNardo, has been named the recipient of the 2017 Spirit of the International League Award, the league office announced Tuesday.
The award, created in 2010, is designed to recognize the essential role filled by individuals who are dedicated to helping make sure fans have the most enjoyable experience possible when visiting League ballparks. DiNardo’s award will be presented by International League President Randy Mobley at a special ceremony on August 21 prior to the game between Rochester and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Frontier Field.
“We are thrilled that Blaise DiNardo is being recognized with the Spirit of the International League Award,” President/CEO/COO Naomi Silver said. “Blaise truly embodies what the ‘Spirit’ award is all about. He goes out of his way to make sure that Red Wings fans are having a wonderful experience. He treats this stadium as his home and our fans as his family.”
In his 55th season with the Red Wings, DiNardo is a staple at Frontier Field where fans can count on seeing him patrol the seating bowl in his familiar blue blazer. His friendly and patient demeanor has endeared him to multiple generations of Red Wings fans, employees, players, and coaches. As the team’s liaison with the umpires, Blaise assures that their needs are met at and away from Frontier Field during their time in Rochester. Hundreds of current and former Major and Minor League umpires consider Blaise to be a true friend. On August 23, 2013 a celebration was held marking the 50th anniversary of his employment with the ballclub. This day was officially proclaimed “Blaise DiNardo Day” in Monroe County.
Blaise is an integral part of the Rochester community, having previously served 20 years on its police force including a decade as a detective. He is the Vice President of the Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees, representing over 1,100 retired officers. As a member of the local YMCA for over 50 years, Blaise has served on the Board of Managers and has chaired the Invest in Youth campaign several times, raising funds for disadvantaged children.
His tenure with the Red Wings began when he was hired by former club President Morrie Silver in 1963 to be the team’s Security Director. Initially he constituted Silver Stadium’s entire security force, though ever since both his staff and responsibilities have grown considerably. DiNardo accompanied the team during its 1997 move to Frontier Field on almost the exact location of his childhood home on Oak Street, and now he oversees the park’s security officers, ticket-takers, and ushers while serving as a goodwill ambassador to the fans.
The Spirit of the International League Award was created to help recognize individuals who work tirelessly to enhance the fan experience and significantly contribute to the overall success of the production that is today’s Minor League Baseball game. While some are in more visible roles than others, each and every one of them is vital to the success of the operation of their team and the League.
Rochester is the first team since the award’s inception to have two recipients. Red Wings organist Fred Costello also earned the honor in 2011.
“It is very gratifying that the Red Wings have been honored twice with this prestigious award,” Silver said. “We are so lucky to have excellent people in our organization who make coming to a Red Wings game truly memorable.”
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