Bill Smith, the former Minnesota Twins GM integral to the development of Target Field as well as the team’s MiLB and spring facilities, is joining Minor League Baseball, with a focus on facilities, scheduling and MiLB international leagues.
Smith will be Assistant to MiLB President & CEO Pat O’Conner, while working with Vice President of Baseball and Business Operations, Tim Brunswick on various projects.
While with the Twins, Smith worked on two major projects: the development of the Lee County Sports Complex (now the CenturyLink Sports Complex) and Hammond Stadium in 1989-1991 (hailed at the time as a state-of-the-art facility) and the development of Target Field in downtown Minneapolis. Under his leadership, the club won the American League Central Division in 2009 and 2010 and lost in a one-game tiebreaker to decide the division winner in 2008. After stepping down from the Twins GM position he continued to work on facilities issues for the Twins, including proposed upgrades to Joe O’Brien Field for the Elizabethton Twins (rookie; Appalachian League).
“I could not be happier than to have Bill Smith join what is already a solid staff,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “His wealth of experience in all aspects of Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball will be helpful as we continue to grow our operations and improve the teams’ ability to serve our fans and partners at Major League Baseball. Bill is respected throughout the industry and his abilities are unquestioned.”
“Joining Minor League Baseball is a great honor, and I look forward to this new chapter in my baseball career, and, in particular, to contributing to the continued success of this terrific organization,” said Smith. “The bonds between big league clubs and their affiliates, and between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball have never been stronger, and the leagues and their facilities have improved dramatically over recent decades. We will continue to enhance these vital ties and to expand the business relationships that make the game better for players, coaches, fans and our MLB partners.”
Before being named Twins general manager in 2007, Smith served the previous 13 seasons as Vice President, Assistant General Manager, where he shared responsibilities for negotiating contracts, assisting with the day-to-day operations of the Major League department and the Twins’ academies in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Smith served on Minor League Baseball’s Board of Trustees and served on a committee appointed by then-Commissioner Bud Selig to examine Major League Baseball’s operations in the Dominican Republic.
Image courtesy Minor League Baseball.
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