Dale Petroskey Resigns From Baseball Hall of Fame

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(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Dale A. Petroskey, president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, has resigned, effective immediately, the Executive Committee of the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors announced today.

The Executive Committee issued this statement: "By mutual agreement, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has accepted the resignation of Dale Petroskey as President.

"The resignation is the result of our finding that Dale Petroskey failed to exercise proper fiduciary responsibility and it follows other business judgments that were not in the best interest of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

"As a result of this announcement, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Idelson to the position of acting-President. We will begin a search for a new President and while it is ongoing, we have full confidence that Jeff Idelson will be a strong and effective leader of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum."

Petroskey joined the Museum in July 1999, after serving at the National Geographic Society for 11 years, the last three as Senior Vice President for Mission Programs.

"After almost nine productive years at the Hall of Fame, I have offered my resignation to the Hall's Executive Committee, and it has been accepted. The Hall of Fame is a world-class institution, and I am proud of all we have accomplished through vision, hard work, and teamwork.  I serve at the pleasure of the Board, and accept the judgment of the Executive Committee.

"It has been an honor to be part of such a great institution, and to have met and worked with so many wonderful people.  I wish everyone associated with the Hall – the Hall of Famers and their families, the Board and my staff colleagues – the very best now and in the future."

Idelson, who has worked in baseball since 1986, joined the Museum in September 1994 as director of public relations and promotions and has served as vice president, communications and education since June 1999. He and his wife, Erika, live in Cooperstown and have two children, Aaron (12) and Nicole (8).

Before joining the Baseball Hall of Fame, Idelson was assistant vice president and senior press officer for World Cup USA 1994, the organizing committee charged with staging the 1994 soccer World Cup in America. He served as director of media relations and publicity for the New York Yankees from 1989-1993, after being hired as the club's assistant director of media relations. With the Yankees, Idelson traveled on every road trip, overseeing all aspects of media relations.  He interfaced among the players, front office and ownership with the media, acting as team spokesman.

A West Newton, MA native and a 1986 graduate of Connecticut College in New London, CT, Idelson began his professional career as an intern in the public relations department of the Boston Red Sox in 1986, continuing work in the team's public relations department in 1987-88.   He also produced home games for the Red Sox Radio Network (110 stations) in 1987 and 1988, serving as the Flagship station's liaison to the Red Sox primary charity, the Jimmy Fund.