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Princeton University Athletics
Former Tiger Chernoff Promoted to General Manager of the Cleveland Indians
October 06, 2015 | Baseball
CLEVELAND INDIANS RELEASE
MIKE HAZEN NAMED BOSTON RED SOX GENERAL MANAGER
PRINCETON, N.J. – For the second time in as many weeks, a Princeton University baseball alumnus has been named a Major League Baseball general manager, with Mike Chernoff '03 earning the title with the Cleveland Indians.
A part of the organization for 12 seasons, Chernoff was elevated to the role of general manager after serving as new president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti's assistant GM since October of 2010. Chernoff's promotion comes on the heels of news that fellow Tiger Mike Hazen '98 was named the senior vice president and general manager of the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 24.
“What a great few weeks for Princeton baseball,” said Robert H.B. Baldwin '42 head coach Scott Bradley. “First Mike Hazen is named GM of the Red Sox and now Mike Chernoff is named GM of the Indians. For years Mike [Chernoff] has been considered one of the best and brightest executives in the game and now he has the opportunity to run the Indians. We could not be more proud.”
An infielder for the Tigers from 2000-03, Chernoff started with the Indians following graduation as an intern in the baseball operations department. During his collegiate career, Chernoff was a part of three league championship teams at Princeton, going to three NCAA Regionals, which included the 2001 regional at South Carolina where the Tigers defeated Citadel.
An everyday player for the Tigers over his last two seasons, he batted .281 and was a senior captain during Princeton's 2003 Ivy League Championship team that played in the NCAA Regionals at Auburn. In his final season, Chernoff was awarded the Kafer Trophy.
Donated by the Class of 1900, the Kafer Trophy is awarded annually to the member of the Princeton varsity baseball team of good moral character, who, during the season, in addition to proving himself a player of ability, has best exemplified the following traits and characteristics: observance of the rules of the game and fairness towards opponents, loyalty and devotion to Princeton's baseball interests, courage, manliness, self-control and modesty, perseverance and determination under discouraging conditions.
In 2011, Chernoff was honored with the Robert L. Peters, Jr. '42 award. The award is given annually to an alumnus who has made significant contributions to the game of baseball at any level following his graduation or has distinguished himself in his chosen field of endeavor.