ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, July 18, 1996 TAG: 9607180072
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
Baseball officials banned Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott from Riverfront Stadium's offices and field five days after she sent employees a memo emphasizing she will remain involved in the front office.
Schott's agreement with baseball June 12 left her with limited authority. She could move freely about the stadium, approve or reject the final budget and be consulted about negotiations for a new baseball stadium.
She could not get involved in day-to-day operations, however.
In a letter to all Reds employees dated July 10, Schott said, ``I have decided to change my role concerning the day-to-day operation of the club until further notice.''
The memo, obtained by The Associated Press, said Schott will have ``limited involvement'' with the club's operations. She said she would focus on financial and stadium matters.
``Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, I do not intend to disappear,'' the memo said.
With baseball's approval, Schott has appointed controller John Allen to act as the team's managing executive until a long-term chief executive is chosen. Schott has agreed to step down as CEO through the 1998 season.
``From time to time, I will need your help,'' Schott's memo said. ``As to simple matters, I may ask for it directly, but it is my intention to make all requests for detailed assistance through the managing executive.''
She said she will require regular reports from the CEO ``concerning certain financial, contractual, budgetary and stadium matters, and you may be asked to assist him or her in providing that information.''
Schott did not return a telephone message left at her home. Her coaches and some of the players sent baseball executives a letter Wednesday asking them to allow her back in the stadium.
Schott responded with a handwritten fax to the coaches and players.
``This has been another tough time for me in the Grand Old Mens World of baseball,'' Schott wrote. ``But when I saw your message I was very touched by it and proud of it and all you members of what is family to me.
``I miss you and Schottzie 02 does, too. Hang in there and go get them on the road.''
The letter is signed, ``Love, Marge Schott,'' followed by a pawprint and 02, a reference to her St. Bernard, Schottzie 02.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP Baseball officials are adamant that Marge Schottby CNBgive up the reins. color.