Miracle co-owner Veeck pens book

Will be signing copies at ballpark on Saturday

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

Mike Veeck, part-owner of the Fort Myers Miracle and brainchild of the minor-league baseball team's 2005 slogan — "Fun is Good" — slapped that same slogan on the title of his new book, geared toward baseball fans and business owners.

"It is a business book, but baseball fans hopefully will enjoy it because they'll understand the stories," Veeck said. "You can take it and apply it to any business. It's about having fun and treating people with respect."

Veeck, 54, will sign copies of his book, "Fun is Good: How to Create Joy and Passion in Your Workplace and Career" at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Lee County Sports Complex, where the Miracle will face the Dunedin Blue Jays at 7:05 p.m..

Veeck, who co-wrote the book with sports business writer Pete Williams of Street and Smith's magazine, also will sign books at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Barnes and Nobles at 13751 Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers.

Veeck wrote tips for business owners.

"Don't have secret meetings," Veeck said. "Don't have closed doors."

Veeck's father, Bill Veeck, died in 1986 after a longtime baseball career. Mike's grandfather, William Veeck, served the Chicago Cubs as team president from 1919 until his death in 1933.

Mike Veeck, originally inspired to become a professional rock 'n' roll musician — he still plays the drums and guitar on occasion — changed course and followed the family calling to baseball.

Mike Veeck has a son, legally named William Night Train Veeck, who is a freshman at Wofford College. He also has a 13-year-old daughter named Rebecca.

Mike Veeck owns the Miracle along with friends and co-owners actor Bill Murray, singer Jimmy Buffett, Van Schley and Marv Goldklang.

Veeck said his book describes the way he and the group conduct their business.

"Marv and I and Dan and Murray and Buffet, we don't have a single piece of paper, delineating the relationships," Veeck said. "It was all handshake deals.

"I have a magical job. But there are a lot of people who don't feel it. That's what it's all about. You can have that much fun."

SCOUTING REPORT

The Dunedin Blue Jays feature LF Adam Lind, a third-round draft pick from 2004 out of the University of South Alabama.

RHP Adam Harben is scheduled to pitch tonight for the Miracle and Nick Blackburn is scheduled to start Saturday.

HUNGRY FANS

Opening Night last Saturday featured a packed house of 8,076 fans. According to the Miracle, they consumed 700 bratwursts, 1,500 hot dogs, 3,000 20-ounce beers, 1,300 16-ounce bottled beers, 325 packs of peanuts, 500 pretzels and 500 hamburgers.

EX-PLAYER HONORED

Instead of reporting for spring training in Fort Myers in 2002, former Miracle shortstop Tony Stevens reported for boot camp in Parris Island, S.C.

The Minnesota Twins, the parent club of the Class A Miracle, paid tribute to Stevens, now a veteran of two trips to Iraq.

Stevens, who played for the Miracle in 2001, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Sunday's game in Minneapolis.

Stevens ended his baseball career immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

"My dad, uncle, grandpas, they were all in the military," said Stevens, who might be deployed soon to Afghanistan.

"How did it go?" Stevens said of being in Iraq. "Well, we got the job done. It's tough being away from my wife. That's the toughest thing."

Stevens has survived 10 bombing attacks, one of which hit his vehicle, a Humvee.

"It knocked it around a little," Stevens said. "I woke up a little dazed. You just go over there and do your job."

As for his days with the Miracle, Stevens said he remembers little.

He hit .178 with 17 errors for the Miracle in 2001 before being promoted to Double-A New Britain.

Current Twins Michael Cuddyer and Lew Ford were his teammates.

Stevens said he was thrilled to be honored by the Twins.

"They definitely surprised me," Stevens said. "It's nice."