Columnist Dean Juipe: New duties but Logan perseveres

Dean Juipe

Tuesday, March 26, 2002 | 9:56 a.m.

Dean Juipe's column appears Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. His boxing notebook appears Thursday. Reach him at juipe@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4084.

Opportunity has knocked, yet Don Logan isn't answering the door.

Industrious, perceptive and personable, he could have long ago left Las Vegas' minor-league baseball team and staked a claim to a job in the major leagues. In terms of connections and attributes, he has what they seek.

But even after a fairly rough year in which his spring-training proposal fizzled and his employers' role in bringing a new stadium to downtown has met more than a few roadblocks, Logan stays the course. When the 51s -- formerly the Stars, who began here in 1984 -- open play next month, Logan, perhaps defiantly, will be part of their front office for the 18th season.

"I had a real good offer around '94 and I've had a number of other offers in various capacities, but Major League Baseball isn't all it's cracked up to be," Logan said Monday. "At that level, your job relies on the whims of your team's win-loss record.

"Here, in Vegas, I've got a comfort level that I wouldn't have elsewhere."

And, importantly, he's near his daughter.

"There was a time when I was preparing a speech that I'd read to her about how I'd always be nearby and would always be available to fly in to see her, but I couldn't do it," Logan said, explaining how Adrienne, now 13, surpasses a spot in the majors in his eyes. "The most important job I have is to be her dad. She's real important to me and I want to be a part of her life as she grows up."

So, admirably, Logan has retained his general manager's job with the 51s, who are hosting a Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game Thursday night at Cashman Field.

While his responsibilities pertaining to the players on the 51s have decreased in recent years, Logan retains a full plate of duties. Aside from being in the midst of what is now a seven-year term as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Pacific Coast League, he has become increasingly involved in marketing the 51s.

"I really think there's a way to re-energize baseball in this city," he said. "We've maintained for years, but there's got to be a way to get more people interested and involved.

"Or, maybe there's not and I'm just kidding myself."

Additionally, he's peripherally involved in an attempt by Mandalay Sports -- which owns the 51s -- and a larger firm, Southwest Sports, to bring a new stadium to downtown. That proposal, which recently received a three-month extension from the city to allow for further study, involves a steady succession of meetings.

So did his idea of bringing four, six or eight major-league teams here for spring training on an annual basis.

"That's gone to the back burner now," Logan said. "There's still an appetite for it by some properties, hotels and the LVCVA, but we've yet to come up with a concept that will work.

"What we might try to do next year is bring some Cactus League teams up to play on the weekends."

Lacking a need to push his own career to another level, Logan said he tackles the challenges he routinely faces "for the good of baseball and the good of the community."

He'd be a tough guy to replace.