Mike Port

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Michael D. Port (born July 24, 1945, Fallbrook, California) is vice president, umpiring for American Major League Baseball and a former front-office executive for three MLB clubs. He was the general manager of the California Angels from September 1984 through 1991 and acting GM of the Boston Red Sox from March through November of 2002.

After attending United States International University in his native Southern California, Port entered baseball in 1969 as a minor league second baseman for the newly-minted San Diego Padres, but after one season at the Class A level, he retired to become an executive in the San Diego organization. In 1973 he became the club's farm system director and moved to the Angels in a similar capacity in 1978.

Port was also adept at the business side of baseball, and in 1980, he was promoted by California to vice president and chief administrative officer. He succeeded Buzzie Bavasi, his boss in San Diego and Anaheim, as the Angels' general manager late in 1984. After just falling short of winning the American League West Division title in 1985, the 1986 Angels finished first in their division and led three games to one in the 1986 ALCS and were one out from their first AL title when a devastating comeback by the Red Sox ruined their pennant hopes. After that disappointment, the Angels, with several veteran players nearing the end of their careers, contended only in 1989. At the end of the 1991 campaign — in which the Angels finished seventh and last in their division, despite a record of 81-81 (.500) — Port was dismissed.

In 1992, he moved on to serve as the first president of the Arizona Fall League, an annual training ground inaugurated by MLB designed for the elite prospects of all member clubs, then joined the Red Sox as assistant general manager in January 1993. Three years later, he was promoted to the club's post of vice president, baseball operations. In March 2002, immediately after John W. Henry, Tom Werner and New England Sports Ventures took control of the Red Sox, Port was named acting GM. Despite 93 wins, and Port's midseason acquisition of outfielder Cliff Floyd, Boston finished second and missed the Wild Card.

With the appointment of Theo Epstein as Boston's general manager in November 2002, Port resumed his former role. He survived a heart attack, and continued to serve as the Red Sox' vp, baseball operations through the club's 2004 World Championship. He was named MLB's vice president, umpiring, during the 2005 season.

[edit] References

• Baseball America Executive Database.
• Boston Red Sox media guide, 2002-2005 editions.

Preceded by Buzzie Bavasi	California Angels General Manager 1984–1991	Succeeded by Dan O'Brien
Preceded by Dan Duquette	Boston Red Sox General Manager 2002	Succeeded by Theo Epstein