The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 14

Tomorrow marks the 30th year Rick Stelmaszek will be a coach for the Minnesota Twins. That makes him the Dean of Coaches (active with one team). This is the third-longest such tenure with one team in baseball history. Nick Altrock spent 42 years with the original Washington Senators. Manny Mota is entering his 31st consecutive year as a coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Stelmaszek joined the Minnesota organization in 1978 as Manager-Player for the Wisconsin Rapids Twins (single A club). Stelmaszek hit .273 in 55 at bats for the WR Twins. More importantly, had started his managerial career which would produce a 199-212 record over three seasons. Even more importantly, he helped such future Twins as Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, Jim Eisenreich and Brad Havens.
It looks like I will be venturing up to Minneapolis later this summer to cover the new stadium. Until then, I wish Rick and the Twins the best of luck. With Nathan's injury, they are going to need a lot of luck.

Rick Stelmaszek and me in the MetroDome in Minneapolis, MN-July 2007.