Reporting for WTKR, Norfolk, VA Adam Winkler says the 2019 recipient of the Spirit of the International League Award is long-time Norfolk Tides head groundskeeper Kenny Magner. The award, created in 2010, is designed to recognize the essential role filled by individuals who are dedicated to helping make sure League fans have the most enjoyable experience possible. Kenny’s award was presented by International League President Randy Mobley at a special ceremony on July 19 at Norfolk’s Harbor Park before the game against Lehigh Valley.
In 1978 the Tidewater Tides hired Kenny Magner, making him
the youngest head groundskeeper in the International League at the time. Over
more than four decades spanning two different ballparks, Magner has overseen
every aspect of groundskeeping duties for the Tides. Today he is the
longest-tenured member of the front office staff, bringing his invaluable years
of experience and a friendly demeanor to work every day.
When the Tides relocated from Met Park to Harbor Park in
1993, it was Magner who installed home plate and the pitcher’s mound. He’s
since worked over 3,000 games at the current home of the Tides, including a
stretch in which he went 23 years without missing a game. He has twice been
honored as the International League Sports Turf Manager of the Year, in 1993
and 1997.
In addition to his daily duties at Harbor Park, Magner has
worked tirelessly on behalf of the community over the past 40 years and
provided expertise to the benefit of countless youth sports participants. He’s
hosted clinics for area groundskeepers and coaches and volunteered his time for
local universities, high schools, and youth teams. His greatest impact may be
in his leadership role with the Tides Youth Field Makeover Project, overseeing
the renovation of fourteen baseball fields in the Hampton Roads community, the
Eastern Shores of Virginia, and in northeastern North Carolina.
The Spirit of the International League Award was created to
help recognize individuals who work tirelessly to enhance the fan experience
and significantly contribute to the overall success of the production that is
today’s Minor League Baseball game. International League ballparks are an
integral part of their team’s communities, and each season thousands of
individuals dedicate themselves on a nightly basis to helping fans have the
most enjoyable experience possible. While some are in more visible roles than
others, each and every one of them is vital to the success of the operation of
their team and the League.
Previous Recipients – Spirit of the International League
Award
2010: Frank Gilhooley, Toledo (Broadcasting Icon)
2011: Fred Costello, Rochester (Team Organist)
2012: Frank Mooney, Buffalo (Account Executive)
2013: Bill Law, Durham (Team Ambassador)
2014: Lois Estridge, Louisville (Customer Service
Representative)
2015: Rick Medeiros, Pawtucket (Director of Security)
2016: Don Waful, Syracuse (Team Advocate, Former President)
2017: Blaise DiNardo, Rochester (Director of Security)
2018: Howard Kellman, Indianapolis (Radio, TV Broadcaster)
