RAY SMITH

Ray Smith hit .219 in 83 games for the Twins over three seasons in the early eighties.  Here's the part where I tell you he's one of the all-time great unsung heroes of the Minnesota Twins organization.

Smith is presently in his 21st season as the manager of the Elizabethton Twins (the Twins' rookie-ball minor league affiliate in the Appalachian League).  Over two stints (1987-1994 and 2002 until now), he has led the E-Twins to 13 post-season appearances and seven Appalachian League championships.  Smith's teams have not had a losing record since 1988.  Among the players who have played for Smith: Marty Cordova, Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins, Corey Koskie, Jesse Crain, Pat Neshek, Denard Span, Glen Perkins, Trevor Plouffe, Matt Garza, Brian Dozier, and many more, including most of the Twins' current crew of top prospects (Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, etc.)