GM Disappears: Rollers Have New GM
From Lp2 Wiki
August 11th, 2001 - Press Release:
GM Disappears; Rollers Have New GM at Helm
Once one of the most active and vocal members of the Lp2, Morgan DeMarco, GM of the Ybor City Rollers, has once again seemingly fallen off the face of the earth. “This is crazy,” said Jo Jo GM JC, “this is the third time this has happened in the span of a year.” Because of his latest disappearing act and because repeated attempts at establishing contact have failed, DeMarco, also known as Mr. Copperfield (in reference to magician David Copperfield who performs numerous disappearing acts), was the topic of the first ever owner’s committee meeting.
“We felt as if we needed to get together and find out what our options were,” said one committee member, “after some heated dialogue, we felt it was time for a change.” The news from the meeting was simple; Morgan DeMarco is out, and Justin Sanger is in. “Justin was the original owner of the Rollers franchise (then known as the Gamblers), said the commissioner, ”He left the league on his own terms (changes in his life) and we felt it was only fitting that he should be the one to take over. We are glad to have him back.” Another committee member echoed the commissioner’s sentiments, stating, “I welcome Justin back with open arms.”
The legacy that Demarco leaves behind, although short, will not be forgotten. After taking over a pitiful Ducky Ducksters team who had a 51-75 record (Jan 5, 2001), DeMarco wasted little time putting his stamp on the team. He promptly created an official team website and wrote numerous, well-written articles. In addition, not only did he make numerous moves by acquiring and trading draft picks, eventually snagging such players as Rafael Furcal and J.D. Drew, he also announced plans for a new stadium. DeMarco was true to his word; The Pleasure Dome (Comerica Park) officially opened up for the 2000 A season.
In the months to come, DeMarco began to make his mark, trading for star players such as Randy Johnson, Darryl Kile, Edgar Martinez and Denny Neagle. After just a little over one season, DeMarco’s Rollers had posted a respectable 111-87 record, fell just short of the Kings for the Big Train division title, and made one postseason appearance. DeMarco leaves a 2000 B squad that has the best record in the Lp2 at 30-17. “He’ll be missed,” said the commissioner, “whenever he loses his Copperfield moniker, he is more than welcome back as an expansion owner, or to take over an open team.” Said new GM Justin Sanger, not known to be a man of many words, about his “second chance,” “I’m looking forward to kicking butt in the Lp2.” Sanger takes over full control of the team starting tonight.
