August 05, 2013

John Henry

Just in case you missed it or you live under a rock, Red Sox owner John Henry is the new owner of The Boston Globe. Both the newspaper industry and the sports world are abuzz. What kind of owner will he be? Is he a sports guy trying to be a newspaper man or is he a businessman who saw an opportunity and took it?

Personally, I think Mr. Henry is all of these things and more, which makes his purchase a good thing for Boston and for journalism. Before laying out my reasons, I'll admit to no small amount of hero worship where Henry is concerned.

As someone who came of age during the benevolent, but ultimately unsuccessful Yawkey years, I was used to disappointment when Henry bought the ballclub in 2002. From Bucky Dent to the 1986 Mets debacle, we Sox fans were used to losing. But after the 2004 season, arguably the greatest Red Sox season in franchise history, we got used to winning. Henry and company helped instill a sense of pride in Red Sox Nation.

This is why I think he will be a great owner for the Boston Globe. Henry knows how to manage a business, hires great people and invests when needed. What's not to like?

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