Just hours before traveling to Pulaski for a potential championship, a champion-like attitude of the Elizabethton Twins away from the diamond was recognized by the Appalachian League.
The E-Twins, Minor League Baseball (MiLB) affiliate for the Minnesota Twins, recently learned they received the 2017 Appalachian League Community Service Award for their activities in the City of Elizabethton.
Friday’s announcement marks the first time in the club’s 44-year history they’ve received the accolade.
“We’re very excited about this accomplishment,” E-Twins General Manager Mike Mains said in a phone interview Friday en route to Pulaksi. “From our administrative staff, to the coaches, the players and the community, this award is for everyone involved. We’re so appreciative of the support we receive and the ability to have the Twins be involved with different activities throughout the area.”
Clubs that receive the award “demonstrate outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within their community and the baseball industry,” according to a release issued from the organization.
Elizabethton cites support for both local and national charities as the foundation of their club and regularly donate tickets and merchandise to local school and church fundraising events to raise thousands of dollars each year. The E-Twins participate in a bevy of charities, including UmpsCare, Bat for the Cure and the Baseball Hall of Fame community efforts.
Elizabethton also participated in the MiLB domestic violence initiative “Safe at Home” in 2017 and hosted several school field trips and youth baseball clinics at Joe O’Brien Field. During each season, the club opens their gates to different nonprofit organizations to use their platform to reach out to fans about the mission they provide in the region.
With the award, Elizabethton is now in the running for MiLB’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award.
Each year, MiLB presents the award to a club for their ongoing commitment to charities and support in the community. According to the organization, the award is named after the former South Atlantic League president, who founded the circuit and presided over it for over a half-century.
Round Rock Express, from the Pacific Coast League, won the award in 2016.
“We’re so unique and different since we operate as a recreational service,” Mains said. “We’ve been able to keep ticket prices inexpensive for our fans to give them something to enjoy. Operating out of parks & rec, baseball and the department really go together. Winning the Appalachian League Award is meaningful for us and we couldn’t be prouder. We’re going to be against some great clubs across the country for the John H. Moss Award.”