By Jose Herrera; May 4, 2021
Nearly two years after taking the job as president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, CPP alumnus Tim Mead (communication, ’80) announced on April 16 that he would be stepping down from the position. Mead was the seventh president in the organization’s 82-year history.
In a statement, Mead, who previously served as the Los Angeles Angels’ vice president of communications before taking the hall of fame position, said, “I made the recent leap with every intention of following in the footsteps of my predecessors, in continuing their efforts in maintaining the Hall of Fame as a critical component of the game. Try as I might, even with the unwavering support of my family, these last 22 months have been challenging in maintaining my responsibilities to them.”
In 2019, the Angels were under investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for the fatal overdose of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Skaggs had opioids (fentanyl and oxycodone) mixed with alcohol in his system when he was found dead in his Texas hotel room on July 1, 2019, according to toxicology reports.
Eric Kay, former director of communications for the Angels who has been charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to Skaggs, alleged that Mead and other Angels officials knew about Skaggs’ drug use since 2017. However, Mead reportedly denied the allegation.
As president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Mead oversaw the daily operation of the nonprofit, while upholding its mission statement to “preserve history, honor excellence and connect generations.”
According to Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Tyler Lobe, Mead was a student assistant during his time at CPP’s sports information office. The sports information office is now Lobe’s workspace.
“When I was doing my record book research, I’d go back and see his name in the credits of a lot of media that took place in the early 80’s,” Lobe said.
Lobe mentioned that when Mead was first named president of the hall of fame, he reached out to one of Mead’s colleagues, Jeff Evans, who served as the Seattle Mariners’ assistant director of baseball information from 2007 to 2015, to ask about what it was like to work with him.
“He told me, ‘Tim is a legend amongst all public relations staffers in Major League Baseball,” recalled Lobe. “Everyone knew who Tim was and the great things he has done.”
As a student at CPP, Mead majored in journalism and covered various sports for The Poly Post. After graduating in 1980, he got involved with the Angels team through an internship in their public relations department. The internship then led to a 39-year career as a director of media relations, assistant vice president of media relations and vice president of communications.
According to CPP Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brian Swanson, Mead helped recognize select alumni to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during Cal Poly Pomona Day at Angels Stadium. This was just one of the many moments Mead showed his support for his alma mater.
“Tim was recognized by the Alumni Association and Intercollegiate Athletics in 2005 as a Distinguished Alumni Awardee,” Swanson said. “I know Tim takes great pride in being recognized as a Cal Poly Pomona graduate. Tim will continue to be highly successful in his professional endeavors.”
Entering his 11th season as head coach of the CPP’s baseball team, Randy Betten admires Mead’s impact on baseball, as well as the community where he nurtured his love for the sport.
“Tim Mead’s name in the game of baseball is very well respected. He always does the right thing for as many people as he can,” Betten said. “CPP means a lot to Tim, He’s always been super supportive of Cal Poly Pomona and our Athletic Department.”
