Dale Petroskey's resignation as president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame is likely to have a great impact on the rest of Cooperstown.
Reactions of shock, as well as praise for Petroskey's character, came from some community members Wednesday, a day after the Hall's Executive Committee announced Petroskey's departure by "mutual agreement" after nearly nine years as the president of the Cooperstown shrine.
"He did a lot for our baseball program," said longtime Cooperstown Central baseball coach Frank Miosek, who coached Petroskey's son, Frank, last season.
Frank Petroskey, the starting shortstop for the Section Three Class C champion Redskins last spring, is playing for Division I University of Vermont this season.
"(Dale Petroskey) volunteered and brought people in to do clinics," Miosek continued. "He has a passion for the sport and loved to watch it but never interfered with the program. If he doesn't stay in the community, it will be a big loss. You don't see people in his position with so much stress and responsibility with a smile on his face all the time, and he did."
In a media release Tuesday, the Hall's Executive Committee stated that 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."
Petroskey could not be reached by phone Wednesday.
Though he said he didn't know the full story in regard to what happened with Petroskey, Oneonta Tigers owner Sam Nader said Wednesday the news upset him.
"I'm saddened," Nader said via cell phone from Venice, Fla., where he's vacationing. "He was a very high-quality individual and I cherish his friendship. I'm sad to see him leave. We had an excellent relationship. He was very good for minor league baseball and the Oneonta franchise. I consider him a close, personal friend. I'm saddened with what has occurred and wish him the best."
Bruce Pohl, one of Petroskey's friends, said the former president never abused his power or acted snobby.
When Pohl moved to the area several years ago, he said, Petroskey was one of the first people to befriend the family. The two also coached little league baseball together.
"He dug right in and coached the little league team with me," said Pohl, whose son played with Frank Petroskey on the Redskins. Phil Pohl, a catcher and pitcher, is the state's reigning Class C Player of the Year and received the top honor from The Daily Star last season.
"He's a great guy and goes out of his way to say hi to people," Bruce Pohl continued. "He's the greatest guy you'd want to meet. I know he'll have some wonderful opportunities ahead of him."
Cooperstown senior Phil Pohl said Petroskey has had a strong influence on him in baseball and life in general.
"He's someone I can look up to," said Pohl, who signed a national letter of intent this past November to play for Division I Clemson this fall. "He's very open to everything. I can talk to him about anything and he's a great mentor. I wouldn't be in the position I'm in today without him. ... He's a great guy you can trust and look up to."
Petroskey also played a key role in helping the Cooperstown community cope with the death of high school student Chris Gentile on April 5, said Gentile's mother, Penny.
Chris Gentile died in a car accident on Route 33 in Middlefield. Penny Gentile said Petroskey stepped right in to help with the planning of the funeral and services.
"Dale was right there and saw some things I didn't see," Gentile said, referring to certain details of the funeral arrangements. "They (the Petroskeys) were supportive. As a human being, he's at the top of my list as far as people I respect and admire."
Miosek said Petroskey's home became a haven for students in mourning.
"(Petroskey) opened his home to the whole senior class," Miosek said. "He was passionate in the way he took care of the grieving. A lot of the things Dale does go unnoticed."
Cooperstown Mayor Carol Waller said Petroskey's work with the village was equally important as he volunteered to serve on boards such as the Doubleday Field committee, among other things.
"I think the relationship between the Hall and the village has improved since he became president," Waller said. "He was active in the village. He is a very community-minded gentleman. ... I know the Dale that is a great community member. He's always been kind and always represented the Hall well. I know he was involved in the community and never felt he was above anyone."
Doubleday Committee chairman Jeff Katz, who is in his third year as a Cooperstown village trustee, said Petroskey made key contributions to the group.
"Certainly he's a part of the community in a big way," Katz said. "He's still a member of the community and is still a valued member of the community. My hope is that people will still treat him as a valued member because he's earned that."
Acting Hall president Jeff Idelson, who has maintained his position as the Hall's vice president for communications and education, said Petroskey should have little trouble adjusting to life after the Hall.
"He's an incredibly caring guy, a family man and someone who tends to enjoy life," Idelson said. "He's had tremendous jobs in his professional life, he has deep contacts and I'm sure he'll land on his feet."
Bruce Pohl echoed Idelson's words, saying that he thinks there will be a lot of opportunities for Petroskey.
"He's a man of the highest integrity," Pohl said. "I think what he says is what he does. There's no behind-the-scenes stuff with him. ... I think (the Hall) will have a tremendous time filling his shoes, both in his personality and his management skills."
Nader, 88, said Petroskey always made him feel at home during visits to Hall events.
"I just hope whatever Dale does, he ends up on his feet," Nader said. "He's a high-quality guy. I cherish his friendship very highly."
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P.J. Harmer can be reached at pharmer@thedailystar.com or 432-1000, ext. 229.
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