May 24, 2013

Ken Babby Emerging as Likely New Owner for Akron Aeros

In a rumor that’s been over a year in the making, Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal had the latest on Saturday about a likely pending ownership change for the Double-A Aeros:

Either Ken Babby happens to be the biggest Aeros fan known to minor-league baseball or he’s the new owner in waiting.

What is known for sure is that the sale of the Aeros, the Double-A affiliate of the Indians, is in the midst of being approved through a three-tiered process that begins with the Eastern League, moves to the minor-league level and then is finalized by Major League Baseball.

As the team begins the process of changing hands from the longtime father-son ownership of Mike and Greg Agganis, Babby’s name has surfaced prominently as the reported buyer.

Storm later notes that the Potomac, Md., resident’s father is Lon Babby, current President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns and former NBA agent.

Ken, 32, is listed on LinkedIn as the founder and CEO of a Northeast Ohio group called Fast Forward Sports Group LLC, and also spent 12 years with the Washington Post.

Initial rumors and reports circled around last year about a potential ownership change for the Aeros, possibly revolving around now-former team consultant Chuck Domino.

The team has been located in Akron since 1997 and in Northeast Ohio since 1989, as the franchise was previously named the Canton-Akron Indians.

[Related: Akron Aeros Storm Back to Win Eastern League Championship]

A Tale of Destiny and Fate: Ken Carr, Indians Photographer

Ken Carr was an individual I knew I’d never forget. From his customary safari hat to his down-to-earth demeanor, he made an immediate impression on me when our paths first crossed at Canal Park in 2009.

I then made my first drive over to Carr’s house in 2010. At the time, I was helping the Akron Aeros finish their production of team baseball cards, and was simply told that he had been taking pictures for them for ages.

Thus, I made the first of two journeys (so far) to an amazing wonderland of Cleveland Indians artifacts. And to the home of an incredible 78-year-old freelance photographer who “just by accident” got his break. [Read more...]