NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Minor League Baseball™ named Bluefiled Blue Jays president George McGonagle, who has been with the Appalachian League club for more than 50 years, the "2012 King of Baseball" tonight at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings™ Banquet.

The "King of Baseball" is a long-standing tradition in which Minor League Baseball salutes a veteran from the professional baseball world for long-time dedication and service.

McGonagle began working for the Bluefield club in 1951. He has served as its president since 1988 and was also Bluefield's general manager from 1995-2007, before retiring from that role.

Since that time, McGonagle has returned to the general manager position on an interim basis on three occasions, in order ensure the club's success and sustainability until a replacement could be found. He was named the Appalachian League Executive of the Year in 1990, 1995 and 2007.