Bob Wirz, a Halsey native and a 1959 College of Journalism and Mass Communications alumnus, will be visiting the CoJMC on Monday, Feb. 13, to speak to the ADPR 221 class from 10 – 11 a.m., following a tour of Andersen Hall. Wirz will be speaking on news releases/press pitches and earned media in relation to his profession in the sports industry.
Wirz began his media career in radio and TV at KHAS in Hastings. He moved on to sports writing at the Lincoln Journal, the Wichita Eagle and the Denver Post. He became the public information/relations director of the Kansas City Royals from 1969-1974. He served as chief spokesman for Major League Baseball from 1974-85 and was Commissioner Bowie Kuhn’s right-hand man in New York City. Wirz also worked under MLB Commissioner Peter Ueberroth before moving into private business. His successful companies have been involved in sports consulting, management and advertising/promotion. Further, he has owned an independent professional baseball team and written a riveting baseball book, appropriately titled “The Passion of Baseball.” Wirz’s long, successful media career has led to his induction into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame, which will take place on Feb. 12 in Beatrice.