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By Christine
Imbs
Fans of baseball movies are familiar with Crash Davis, the role
played by Kevin Costner in the 1988 film, “Bull Durham.” But had
Costner’s character been named Rich Sauget, it just might have been
a better fit.
“Ever since the movie my friends have called me Crash,” Sauget says
laughing. “But it’s not because I look like Kevin Costner. Well,
maybe when I was younger.”
Today as president of East County Enterprises, Sauget is focused
on economic development in the Metro East. But in his younger days,
he played professional baseball. And the similarity between his
story and the movie’s Crash Davis is uncanny.
If you saw the movie, you’ll remember Crash Davis was a catcher
in Triple-A, who had spent a short time at “The Show.” But he found
himself playing nurse-maid to an up-and-coming young pitcher playing
A-ball in Durham. Like Crash, Sauget also was a Triple-A catcher
with big league experience. And coincidentally, in 1970, he too
ended up in Durham.
“I was with the Atlanta Braves Triple-A club in Richmond when they
sent me to Durham for organizational reasons,” he says. “I admit
I wasn’t particularly happy about it, but I went anyway. I was a
catcher who had been around a while and knew what was going on.
I guess they just needed someone like that at the time.”
Sauget signed with Atlanta in 1966 after graduating from University
of Notre Dame with a degree in Economics. They sent him to West
Palm Beach, Fla. and put him in the lineup his very first day. It
was just a little two inning exhibition before the game, but it
turned out to be quite memorable.
“I ran out on the field and who’s pitching? Satchel Paige. It was
amazing,” he recalls. “That morning I was at home in Belleville,
and by the end of the day I was catching for Satchel Paige. Can
you imagine that?”
Sauget continued playing Triple-A ball, while attending graduate
school at Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Tex. His master’s
thesis was on the economic impact of the 1967 World Series on St.
Louis.
“I had an interest not only in baseball and the business of baseball,
but what it can do for a community in the way of jobs and economic
growth,” he comments. “I’ve had fun with my sports background, but
with the development business, I get to see buildings go up and
jobs being created. It’s very satisfying.”
Sauget has been heavily involved in development activities throughout
Madison and St. Clair County, Ill. for about 37 years now. His projects
include Sauget Business Park, Discovery Park, the Route Three Corridor
and a development in Collinsville between I-255 and 55. And he shows
no signs of retiring.
“I don’t have anything to retire from,” he says laughing. “I’ve
never had a job. I guess the only time I ever worked for anybody
was when I was playing baseball. But even then, you’re on a contract.
In order to retire, you’ve got to have something to retire from.”
And does he miss baseball? Hardly. He not only helped build GCS
Ballpark across the river, but is principal owner of the Gateway
Grizzlies of the Frontier League. The Grizzlies are one of the best
drawing teams in independent baseball, not affiliated with the major
leagues. And GCS Ballpark was named as one of the top 10 minor league
ballparks in the country, according to minorleaguenews.com.
“Ever since doing my thesis, I wanted to bring another baseball
opportunity to the St. Louis area,” Sauget says. “And it’s been
great. So if you can’t get into Busch, come watch the Grizzlies
play. Our food is just as good and our beer just as cold. It’s a
great way to spend a summer evening.”
Coming from an ex-ballplayer, it’s something to consider.
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TalkingPOINTS
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BORN:
Sauget, Illinois
FAMILY: Married with five children and six grandchildren
INTERESTING FACT: Met his wife on a sixth grade picnic.
EDUCATION: BA-Economics, Notre Dame; MA-Economics,
Saint Mary’s University, San Antonio.
BIGGEST INFLUENCE: His father who taught him about
hard work and persistence.
HOBBIES: “I’ve played handball for many years, but
now I try to play golf.”
CURRENT READ: Good to Great by Jim Collins
FAVORITE MUSIC: Classical, but he likes Elvis.
FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL: Paris
ST. LOUIS REGION IMPRESSIONS: Great cultural amenities
and a tremendous history.
CARDINALS CHANCES: “Well, they’ve got Pujols and Tony
LaRussa. How’s that?” |
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