La Crosse, Wis. – The La Crosse Loggers announced today that former Minnesota Twins field manager Tom Kelly will headline their 11th Winter Baseball BBQ, which is planned for Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the Stoney Creek Inn (Onalaska).
Kelly managed the Twins for a span of more than 15 years (1986-2001), making him the longest tenured coach in Twins history. Under his direction, the Twins won two World Series Titles in a span of five years (1987 and 1991) and Kelly was named the American League Manager of the Year in 1991. The Minnesota native won 1,140 games as the Twins skipper during his tenure and the Twins retired his #10 jersey before a September 8, 2012 game at Target Field. Kelly currently serves as a special assistant to general manager Terry Ryan.
The Loggers Winter Baseball BBQ will also feature addresses from members of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse baseball team, the Loggers themselves as well as a special silent auction area. Tickets for the event will go on sale later this fall along with more information/times on the event. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the La Crosse Loggers Foundation who will use those proceeds in the continuing effort to preserve the UW-La Crosse baseball program.
Fans can visit www.lacrosseloggers.com for more information or call the Loggers front office at 608-796-9553. The Loggers will open their twelfth season of play in late May of 2014. The 2014 slate of game is expected to be released later this fall from the Northwoods League office. Notable Loggers alumni include Max Scherzer (Tigers), Chris Sale (White Sox), Jordan Pacheco (Rockies), Rob Brantly (Marlins), Victor Black (Mets), Eric Thames (Astros), Brett Jackson (Cubs) and Daniel Herrera (Mets).
