TORONTO, June 3, 1997 -- Gord Ash, Vice-President and General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, will speak on the topic of "Building a Winning Team," on Tuesday, June 17 at the York Business Alliance (YBA) breakfast series. The breakfast will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in The Blade and Firkin restaurant, 2nd floor, at The Ice Gardens at York University.

Ash is a York University alumnus, graduating in 1974 with a BA in history and sociology. He was named to his current position as head of the Blue Jays in October 1994 after rising through the ranks of the club organization. He first joined the Blue Jays organization in 1978 as a ticket office employee, moving up in 1979 to the Operations Department, where he managed the day-to-day supervision of the grounds crew. Ash was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations in February 1980, with new duties including stadium and game-day operations. In February 1984, he was appointed Administrator of Player Personnel in the Baseball Department, with responsibilities involving minor league contracts and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Blue Jays' minor league teams.

Ash was promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager in 1989, and has been instrumental in the negotiation of major league contracts. He also assists with the daily operation of the major league team and oversees the player development department. In October 1994, Ash was named Vice-President/General Manager of the Blue Jays.

The YBA is a coalition of business leaders in the Greater Toronto Area working to build mutually beneficial partnerships between the business community and York University. This is an opportunity for members of the YBA and their guests to meet members of the University's administration and to network with other businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Ice Gardens at York University is located across the road from Black Creek Pioneer Village on Murray Ross Parkway. Drive south on Jane Street from Steeles Avenue, turn east on Shoreham Drive, and turn north (left) into Parking Lot 6A. Complimentary parking is available in Lot 6A. Parking tickets will be issued at the registration table at the breakfast. Visitors should get their tickets stamped at the front desk of the Ice Gardens when they leave.

Tickets are $20. Corporate tables of eight are available at $120 per table. For tickets, call Sue Jang, York Business Alliance, (416) 736-9675, ext. 20953.

For more information, contact:

Mary Ann Horgan
Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/056/97