(click on images once or twice to make them larger)
2019 – The Twins made a couple of important signings, but not for the team in uniform. Derek Falvey and Thad Levine, the architects of the Twins’ American League Central champions, have agreed to contract extensions to remain in charge of the team’s baseball operations, a source with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed. Contract terms have not been disclosed, but the new deals are intended to keep the team’s chief baseball officer and general manager in Minneapolis through at least 2024. In Falvey’s case, the new contract comes with a new title, too: President of Baseball Operations. His duties remain the same, but the title, replacing Executive Vice President and Chief Baseball Officer, puts him on equal footing with other teams’ top executives around the league. Twins President and CEO Dave St. Peter declined to comment Wednesday on the new contracts, but said, “Obviously we are thrilled with the job Derek and Thad have done. They have been instrumental in making the Twins a championship quality team, but also a championship quality organization.”
The Appalachian League today announced 13 new members have been elected to the Appalachian League Hall of Fame through a Special Election held at the League’s Fall Meetings last month in Bristol, VA. The new class is highlighted by Appalachian League President Emeritus Lee Landers and long-time Elizabethton Twins manager Ray Smith. Landers and Smith are joined by Randy Boyd, Boyce Cox, Chauncey DeVault, Bobby Floyd, David Hagan, Bill Halstead, Jim Holland, Andruw Jones, George McGonagle, Scott Niswonger, and Miles Wolff. “It is a pleasure to announce and recognize the newest members of the Appalachian League Hall of Fame,” said Appalachian League President Dan Moushon. “These 13 individuals were instrumental in the development, growth and success of the Appalachian League.”
Ray Smith has been manager of the Elizabethton Twins since 1987, amassing 1403 wins and a .612 winning percentage (through 2019). He has led Elizabethton to nine Appalachian League championships and has been named Appalachian League Manager of the Year seven times. Smith played in the Appalachian League in 1977 before appearing in 83 Major League games with the Minnesota Twins from 1981 to 1983.
Click Here to access the digital Appalachian League Hall of Fame
2006 – GM Terry Ryan is named ML Baseball Executive of the Year by the Sporting News for the second time in his career.
