Cayuga County has been fortunate over the years to have its own professional baseball team, the Auburn Doubledays. We've also been fortunate to have had Jason Smorol as the team's general manager the last three seasons.

Smorol is leaving the team to take a sales position with a power-tool company.

Without question, he will be missed.

Under Smorol, the Doubledays have set franchise records for total attendance - 65,046 fans saw games in 2003 - and average attendance - almost 2,000 this past season.

Key to his success, Smorol established a philosophy of exemplary customer service and making sure the fans get their money's worth when they come to Falcon Park.

But besides the numbers, Smorol wanted the fans to have a fun time at the ballpark. With that came great promotions, such as bobblehead nights, fireworks and Thunderstixx.

And as much as Smorol was an executive, he was also a baseball fan - one that took great pride in showing it.

When the Doubledays needed a late-inning rally, you could count on Smorol to lead the cheers. He reminded us why baseball at Falcon Park is a special time, one of the hallmarks of summer in Cayuga County.

His enthusiasm will never be forgotten by Doubledays fans, and we hope he does well in his next endeavor.

Now the reins are being passed to new general manager Carl Gutelius, who has served as Smorol's assistant for the last two years and has been an important part of the team's success.

Gutelius has paid his dues and now the Auburn native gets his chance to run the local team. He has a great foundation provided by Smorol and will build on top of it.

The board of Auburn Community Baseball must be praised for keeping continuity by promoting Gutelius and rewarding him for his hard work. We know they will not be disappointed.