Sisler Jr. a pillar of the Minor Leagues

George Sisler Jr. never reached the lofty heights in the game of baseball that his father touched during what was a Hall of Fame career. He never played in the Major Leagues as his siblings, Dave and Dick did, either.

Yet, Sisler Jr. had just as much of an impact on the game, perhaps in some ways even more, than did his family members. Sisler, Jr. was a long-time Minor League executive and one of the rocks of the International League, serving the circuit in one capacity or another for more than five decades prior to his death on Sunday in Worthington, Ohio. He was 89.

Sisler was a league executive for 52 of the circuit's 124 years. He was an award-winning general manager for two clubs, served as the league president, and was a vice-president and consultant until his passing.

"With the passing of International League vice president George Sisler Jr., the league mourns the loss of one of its icons," current president Randy Mobley said. "For roughly 35 years as a general manager or league president, George played a significant role in molding and shaping the International League into what it is today.

"George was one of the 'old-guard' of baseball executives, who guided teams and leagues through days of rough waters in Minor League Baseball. We will forever remember George as being the consummate professional that carried himself with grace and dignity regardless of the situation. Those of us who knew him well consider ourselves blessed for having had that opportunity."

Sisler Jr. served as IL president from 1966 until 1977, after a 10-year stint as the general manager of the Rochester Red Wings.

When baseball returned to Columbus in 1977, Sisler was there to serve as the head of the welcoming committee, stepping down from his office as league president to run the new franchise. He served as the Clippers' general manager from 1977 through his "retirement" in 1989. Sisler also served as a league vice president and consultant until his death.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Sisler seemed to have a knack for setting himself apart from other league execs, earning The Sporting News Triple-A Executive of the Year honors in 1962, 1977 and 1979. The IL also named him as its top executive in 1964, 1977, 1979 and 1980.

During his final season as the Clippers' general manager, Sisler also won the inaugural Bob Freitas Award, presented to the organization demonstrating longstanding excellence of operations in the park and in the front office. That winter he capped a marvelous career by being honored as "The King of Baseball" for his dedication and service to the game.

He has been enshrined in the Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame, and he also has a place in the Columbus Baseball Hall of Fame. The Red Wings are planning to honor Sisler in some way on Opening Day.

Joe Altobelli has been a fixture on the International League circuit almost as long as Sisler. A long-time player, manager and broadcaster in Rochester, he also piloted the Clippers under Sisler's watch.

"He was what you might call a true baseball man," Altobelli said. "He liked the game of baseball, and he was there every day. He liked talking baseball. He was a real sound guy and a good listener, as well as a good talker. If you knew George at all, you had to like him.

"I enjoyed working and playing for him. And, I guess he's partly responsible for me living my life here in Rochester. That's where I first met him."

Sisler was a three-sport star before graduating from Colgate in 1939. He signed with the St. Louis Browns, but he played only one season of pro ball before joining the Cardinals in a variety of scouting and administrative roles. By 1955, he had gained a great deal of experience, enough to take over as the general manager in Rochester.

Through it all, Altobelli said, Sisler never fretted about being the shadow of his famous relatives, particularly his father.

"He never held anything against anyone," Altobelli said. "He was proud of his brothers, his whole family. He had eye problems for a long time, and I think that might have been one of the reasons he didn't make it as a player. But he really enjoyed his family and had no qualms where that was concerned.

"And the Triple-A life isn't that bad. He did some nice things in Columbus and had a pretty good life. He was a darn good baseball man, and he had a pretty good baseball life. He was a good man, and I could talk about him all day."