Former Indianapolis Indians Executive Dies
(image courtesy: Indianapolis Indians/Minor League Baseball)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA long-time member of the Indianapolis Indians front office and former general manager Cal Burleson has died. The Indians say Burleson, who was 71, passed away Sunday from complications from cancer. He was with the organization for 45 seasons
The club says he joined the organization in 1975 as a ticket manager and worked his way up to the top executive spot. He was named GM in 1998 and held that role through 2014.
“There is one overarching word that comes to mind when remembering Cal – passion. He approached everything in his life with a great deal of passion. He was passionate about his family, impacting generations of individuals in the Indianapolis community and driving the Indians to success on and off the field,” said Indianapolis Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski. “In true Cal fashion, he tackled his cancer diagnosis head-on. Much like his desire for the Indians to compete until the final out, he showed fight, grit and determination to beat his diagnosis from start to finish. He was a mentor to many and will be sorely missed.”
In 2015-16, Burleson assumed duties as vice president of baseball and administrative affairs, functioning as the team’s representative with the Pittsburgh Pirates and International League office.
The Indians says Burleson held numerous leaderships roles in the community over the years, including chairman of the board for the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis.
Memorial services are pending.