New WhiteWings GM Robinson has work to do

HARLINGEN — Doug Robinson was announced as the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings new general manager and takes over a team currently in debt to the city of Harlingen.

The WhiteWings have a long history of debt with the city but most recently the team's debt to the city reached nearly $100,000 for rent, maintenance and utilities, city officials say.

Robinson said team owner John Bryant was in Harlingen on Wednesday evening to meet with the city commission.

A city commission meeting was scheduled for Wednesday and the ”consultation with the city attorney to seek legal advice regarding the lease agreement between the city of Harlingen and the WhiteWings baseball club, LLC for use of the baseball stadium known as Harlingen Field” was listed on the agenda to be discussed in executive session.

“One of owners is in town and taking care of it all,” Robinson said of the debt. “I wasn’t even aware of it until a couple of days ago when I saw an article in the Valley Morning Star.”

Field manager Eddie Dennis will return to lead the Wings on the diamond.

Dennis said in a statement that Robinson was the best guy to take over the team’s top post.

“I have known him to be an exceptional leader and top marketing person,” Dennis said. “I believe he can bring the WhiteWings back to financial success.”

Robinson takes over as GM effective immediately and is in his second stint with the WhiteWings.

Robinson was Director of Operations for the team in 2005 before moving to Laredo to serve as assistant GM of the Broncos.

Robinson later served as sports director and anchor for the NBC affiliate in Laredo.

“I’m all about having fun,” Robinson said. “Building great community relationships is so important to me. It’s going to be really important for me to establish those relationships with everyone in the community.”

Robinson said he would like to build a partnership with the schools in the area.

He’s already started to make the game day experience more fan friendly, Robinson said.

“We will no longer charge for parking,” Robinson said. “Season ticket holders will still receive priority.”

The WhiteWings remain in the North American League (NAL) and join Edinburg, McAllen, San Angelo, Yuma and Fort Worth in the South Division.

The Fort Worth Cats were recently added to the loop.