Mike Piazza, the all-time leader in homers for major league catchers, is seriously considering becoming a major-league owner.
In Port St. Lucie Saturday morning, Piazza stated the possibility and indicated that he has been approached by groups of investors, as reported by ESPN.com.
Piazza is in Florida as a hitting coach for Team Italy, which was set to face the minor league prospects of his former club, the New York Mets.
"Would I be interested in possibly getting involved in a group to buy a team?" Piazza said. "Probably, I've been thinking about it. I think that would be something that would probably suit my desire, at least, to get into the game.
"I don't really see myself on the field all the time, or in the boardroom all the time. But I feel like maybe I can bring certain intangibles to both. And having the credibility of being on the field and also getting to know some of the administrative aspects of the sport would be something I'd be interested in," he explained.
Piazza may follow Nolan Ryan’s lead, who is now part-owner and president of the Texas Rangers.
"I never say never. You see Nolan Ryan getting involved. And I've heard of other players, in the future, wanting to get involved in ownership. I just think everything is a timing thing. It's an interesting time in the game, and there's a lot of change going on. You just don't know what situation will pop up. As far as anything on the forefront? Nothing. Down the line? We'll see."
There was also mention that Piazza has been approached by groups interested in purchasing a stake in the Mets.
"I can't confirm or deny any of that," he said. "Let's just say I've talked to some people who have interest in getting into the game. It doesn't cost anything to talk, thank god. At least not yet. Things start with ideas. And you have to dream a little bit, and you just never know. So we'll see. But as far anything right now — any talks or putting together any groups — no, I'm not involved in anything specifically."
Piazza was asked if he has been in contact with Bobby Valentine about joining his team of prospective investors. Piazza seemed to have no clue about Valentine’s interest.
"He's actually putting a group together?" Piazza asked. "That's funny. I didn't know that. I mean, not funny."
