Stingers owner Buzas dies at 84

Joseph John Buzas, 84, Salt Lake Stingers owner and president— dubbed the "king of minor league baseball" by Sporting News— died Wednesday after a long illness.

Better known as "Joe," Buzas lived his entire life in baseball, having been a player, manager or owner for more than 60 years. In 47 years as an owner, he operated 18 minor league franchises — probably a world record — rising to legendary status in the sport.

He was most famous in Utah for bringing back Triple-A baseball here in 1994 by moving his Pacific Coast League franchise, the Portland Beavers, to Salt Lake City. The franchise led the PCL in attendance its first six years, and last season drew its 5 millionth fan faster than any team in league history. The franchise will play its 10th season this year.

"Joe was a legend in this sport, the last of the old school of owner-operators who lived and breathed baseball," Stingers' assistant general manager Dorsena Picknell, said. "Joe loved Salt Lake, and always appreciated the support this community showed his family and the team."

He was well-known for greeting fans at games and didn't miss a Stingers home game last season.

Besides Salt Lake City, he had owned teams in 11 other states during his long career.

In 1996, his peers awarded the John J. Johnson President's Trophy as "Owner of the Year."

Born in Alpha, N.J., Buzas was a four-sport star at Bucknell University, excelling in basketball, football, baseball and boxing. In 1941, Joe's dream of playing professional baseball was realized when the New York Yankees signed him to a contract. Buzas was the opening day shortstop for the Yankees on April 17,1945, playing 30 games in the major leagues.

After a severe shoulder injury cut short his playing career, Joe became one of the youngest managers in professional baseball history at 26. After a decade as a successful and popular manager in Puerto Rico, Buzas was ready to try his hand at ownership. Joe took the struggling AA Eastern League franchise in Allentown, PA and soon had it turning a profit. From there, the enterprising businessman was often sought out by leagues and teams that needed to be rescued.

"He doesn't just love baseball, he is nourished by it," Brad Rock, Deseret News sports columnist wrote about Buzas last year.

Jay Evensen, Deseret News reporter, described Buzas as "a gruff, hard-edged grandfather type with a tough shell and a soft heart" in 1993, before he moved to Salt Lake City.

A funeral mass for Buzas will be held at St. Vincent's Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, on Monday, March 24, 11 a.m.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, friends wishing to honor Joe may make a donation to the Evan Buzas Charitable Foundation. For information about making a donation, call the Stingers' office at 485-3800 or mail donations to: Evan Buzas Charitable Foundation, Salt Lake Stingers, P.O. Box 4108, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84110.