AA St. Paul Saints

Dennis Denning To Be Honored By Saints as "Friend of the Game"

Published on January 24, 2007 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN - Legendary St. Thomas baseball coach and former Cretin-Derham Hall head coach Dennis Denning has been selected as this year's recipient of the St. Paul Saints William "Billy P." Peterson Friend of the Game Award, the club announced today.

Denning will be honored during the Saints 2007 Hot Stove Banquet, Friday, February 2 at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.

"It's an honor to be recognized with this award," said Denning. "There are a number of good people who have done a lot for baseball in St. Paul, and to be honored as one of them is really special."

Now entering his 13th year as head coach of the University of St. Thomas, Denning has led the Tommies to a 413-123 record, the best won-loss record in Division III since 1994. St. Thomas has won either the MIAC regular season or post-season title in each of the last 11 seasons, and reached the NCAA playoffs in 11 of the 12 seasons, winning a national title in 2001.

Prior to his arrival at St. Thomas, Denning served as head coach on the high school level for 17 seasons at Cretin-Derham Hall, compiling 378 victories while building an athletic dynasty.

Denning was selected from a strong list of candidates nominated by local residents. To qualify, candidates must have a connection to St. Paul baseball, either as a player, coach or official.

"What's special about St. Paul is the community and the people who appreciate the game and fit baseball into its niche," said Denning. "Baseball is a friendly game, and this town is full of friendly and talented people that contribute to the baseball community at all levels."

The Friend of the Game award is named after Bill Peterson, who came out of retirement in 2006 to coach St. Paul Central to its first City Conference baseball title in 41 years. Peterson received the honor at last year's Saints hot stove event.

The Hot Stove program will include the presentation of the award, Saints president Mike Veeck, manager George Tsamis, and keynote speaker Ted Spencer, vice president and chief curator of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY.

The event, presented by TDS Metrocom, is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center. The museum is currently hosting Baseball As America - the first traveling exhibit featuring artifacts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Tickets are available for $50 and registration includes the silent auction, dinner, and program. Admission to the exhibit and parking are complementary that night courtesy of the museum.

For reservations or more information, please contact the Saints at 651-644-6659 or visit saintsbaseball.com.

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