The man who transformed the Oldsmobile car division and was instrumental in bringing minor league baseball to Lansing has died.

John Delano Rock died on November 16 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He was 71 years old.

Rock was a General Motors Vice President when he was named General Manager of the Oldsmobile Division in April 1992. Automotive News say he took over the division at a time when it as struggling with its image and products. According to the influential magazine, Rock decided to "remake the division in the image of GM's Saturn Corporation."

Rock began his GM career in 1960 as a district manager trainee with the Buick Division in Flint. He retired in 1997.

Lugnuts owner Tom Dixon say that next to former mayor David Hollister, Rock played the most important role in getting Oldsmobile Stadium built in downtown Lansing. The new stadium made it possible for the the Lugnuts.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of 39 years.