Runge Moves into fifth on All-Time Appy Win List
Published on July 31, 2008 under Appalachian League (ApL)
Danville Otterbots News Release
DANVILLE, VA- Danville Braves Manager Paul Runge moved into fifth place on the All Time Appalachian League Managers Win List Wednesday night with a 4-3 victory over the Pulaski Mariners. Runge passed former Wytheville Manager Red Norwood (1960-1963, 1969) with his 186th win of his esteemed career.
Runge is at his fourth consecutive year at the helm of the Danville Braves, who bring a 23-19 record in Thursday's contest vs. the Pulaski Mariners. In 2007, Runge led the team to a 48-20 record (.705), the winningest season in team history. The Braves captured their fourth straight Appalachian League East Division Title last year, setting a modern Appalachian League Record. In 2006, Runge captured the Minor League Manager of the Year Award for the Braves' minor league system. Runge's affiliation with the Atlanta Braves dates back to 1979 when Atlanta selected him in the ninth round of the draft as a shortstop out of Jacksonville University.
Runge previously served as the manager of the Greenville Braves from 1999-2001 and spent the 1998 season as a manger of the Danville 97's, the Atlanta Braves class A Carolina League affiliate. The 97's, who had a brief one-year stint in Danville, moved to their new location in Myrtle Beach, SC after a 58-82 mark under Runge. In 1997, Runge managed the Durham Bulls to a 63-76 record, their final season of affiliation with the Atlanta Braves organization. In previous stops within the Braves farm system, Runge managed at Macon (1996), Eugene (1995), Danville (1994) and Idaho Falls (1993). In addition, Runge also has managed in the Arizona Fall League (1997) and the Australian Winter League (1994-1995).
As a player, Runge played for the Atlanta Braves from 1981-1988 before ending his playing career with the San Diego Padres (1989) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1990) organizations.
Ray Smith, the longtime and current skipper of the Elizabethton Twins, stands first among Appy League managers with 603 career victories. He is followed by Fred Walters of Elizabethton, Joe Lewis of Bristol, and Steve Turco of Johnson City.
Appalachian League Stories from July 31, 2008
- Braves rally again, but drop game two - Danville Otterbots
- D-Braves To Set Up Speed Pitch Wed. at Danville Science Center - Danville Otterbots
- Braves earn walk-off win - Danville Otterbots
- Braves re-schedule baseball camp - Danville Otterbots
- Runge Moves into fifth on All-Time Appy Win List - Danville Otterbots
- D-Braves Re-Schedule Baseball Camp For August 12 - Danville Otterbots
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