The unexpectedness of Terry Ryan’s resignation as Twins general manager is one reason why his news conference will long be remembered but there’s another reason, too. There was a feeling of respect, almost reverence that could be felt in that news conference late last week.
It’s the responsibility of the press to be skeptical, to probe and question. Media types are often cynical, overly negative and can lose fairness and objectivity in their writing and reporting. In this town, though, even those who occasionally found fault with Ryan also respected his many accomplishments during his 13 years as the Twins baseball boss. The media appreciated his commitment, work ethic, knowledge, intelligence and, perhaps most of all, his honesty. Ryan isn’t about spin doctor babble.
In separate moments during the news conference two media members offered testimonials and thank yous to Ryan. It was surprising and rather remarkable to see the Star Tribune’s Sid Hartman and Gene Harrington of Associated Press radio offer tributes.
Nice words came from Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer, too. He was at the news conference and immediately afterward was asked about Ryan.
“Mr. Ryan is the reason I am here (with the Twins),” Cuddyer said. “He’s the one that drafted me. He’s the one that signed me. …I just wanted to be here to express my gratitude to him for bringing me into the Minnesota Twins organization.”
It didn’t surprise a local baseball source that Cuddyer took time on his day off to attend the news conference. “He understands there’s more to the game than just playing,” the source said.
The 53-year-old Ryan, whose decisions were the most important in assembling teams that won four Central Division championships, has accepted a role with the franchise as senior advisor to new general manager Bill Smith. After 13 years the demands of an incredibly demanding work schedule, including negotiating with agents, convinced him that for his health and family he needed to resign. With most other men a skeptical media and public would be asking in large numbers what the real story is. With Ryan you accept at face value that the job was becoming uncomfortable. In his new advisor role he can reduce his hours and focus on his love of evaluating players for the Twins. Ryan has earned the public’s trust.