AA St. Paul Saints

Four More Years: Saints Manager George Tsamis Signs Extension

Published on December 21, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (December 21, 2009) - A gift for the holidays came a little early for St. Paul Saints manager George Tsamis. The man who has won more games at the helm of the Saints than any other manager in team history signed a four year extension Monday that will keep him as skipper of the club through 2013.

The 2010 season will be Tsamis' eighth with the Saints, the longest tenure by any manager in team history. During this time he has amassed a 370-294 record, which includes finishing in first place in five of the 14 half-seasons. He became the all-time winningest manager in Saints history with an 8-3 victory over the Sioux City Explorers on July 27, 2007.

Tsamis' finest moment as manager with the Saints came during the 2004 season when his club rallied past the Schaumburg Flyers in a thrilling five-game title series. The famed walk-off grand slam by Marc Mirizzi in the bottom of the ninth gave Tsamis his first title with the Saints and third in his career.

"I've been fortunate to reach many goals during my seven years with the Saints and signing on for four more years allows me to continue that," said Tsamis. "Our goals every year are to win a championship and get our players signed.we will continue to strive towards those achievements."

Tsamis has been a manager since 1999 when he spent two seasons with the Waterbury Spirit of the Northern League. After that he went to the New Jersey Jackals of the Northern League from 2001-02, capturing titles in both seasons. Overall he is 553-462 with winning records in nine of 11 seasons while making the playoffs eight times.

The goal of any independent team, besides winning titles, is to have its players signed by Major League organizations. During his tenure, Tsamis has had 31 players either drafted or signed by Major League organizations. During its 17 seasons, the Saints have had 94 players drafted or signed.

"For seven seasons George has been invaluable both on and off the field," said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Derek Sharrer. "We couldn't be happier to retain him as Saints manager. We look forward to the continued winning tradition on the field, his teams' commitment to our community off the field, and his increasing involvement with our latest endeavor, the Saints Sports Academy."

Tsamis will handle the design and oversight of the Saints Sports Academy pitching instruction. The Saints recently opened the 32,000-square-foot Academy in Lakeville, MN, providing youth athletic training and development in multiple sports including baseball and softball. Tsamis will be integral in the Academy's pitching program designed to develop the mechanics and ability necessary for young athletes to succeed on the mound.

As a player, Tsamis was originally a 33rd round selection by the Toronto Blue Jays following his junior season at Stetson University. He decided to return for his senior season and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 15th round of the 1989 draft. He reached the Major Leagues with the Twins in 1993 and went 1-2 with one save and a 6.19 ERA in 41 games during his big league career.

The success for Tsamis began early when he helped pitch the Campbell, California team to a U.S Championship in the Little League World Series.

He currently resides in Colchester, CT with his wife Kelly and daughter Casey.

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