CLEVELAND -- Mark Shapiro has spent half his life working for the Cleveland Indians. He steadily ascended the front-office ladder to the role of team president, tasted champagne during a handful of memorable postseason runs and spearheaded a sweeping renovation project at Progressive Field.
Every era has an ending.
The Indians announced on Monday that Shapiro will take over in Toronto as the team's president and chief executive officer at the conclusion of the season, when current president and CEO Paul Beeston plans to retire. With Shapiro leaving Cleveland after 24 years, Tribe owner and CEO Paul Dolan is expected to absorb the team's presidential responsibilities, at least for the time being.