Lukevics, Goryl honored by MiLB
Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award
Mitch Lukevics, Tampa Bay Rays director of Minor League operations
The Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award is presented to someone with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development. Bender spent 64 years in baseball as a player, manager and executive. He oversaw the Cincinnati Reds farm system for 22 years and spent a total 39 years with the club.
"Mitch Lukevics has played an integral role in developing players that have contributed to the recent successes of the Tampa Bay Rays," Minor League Baseball president, Pat O'Conner, said. "His relationships with Rays' affiliates, knowledge of the rules, and concern for his players and staff remind me so much of Chief and the legacy this award honors. Mitch's efforts have been invaluable for the Rays, who compete in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, the American League East."
"Chief Bender set the standard on how to develop young players, and was admired and respected by all of us in the industry," Lukevics said. "To receive an award bearing his name is truly an honor. This wouldn't be possible if not for the support I receive from the Rays organization, and the tremendous people that I am fortunate to work with."
Mitch has spent 38 years in professional baseball as a pitcher, coach and Minor League administrator. He has been Tampa Bay's director of Minor League operations for the past seven seasons, overseeing one of the most productive Minor League systems in baseball. The Tampa Bay farm system has continually provided high-caliber players who have played major roles in the Rays' postseason runs in three of the past five years, including a trip to the 2008 World Series.
Lukevics joined the then expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays in November 1995. During his 17 years with the club, he has also been a pitching coach (1996) and the assistant to player development and scouting (1997-2005).
Mitch was a second-round Draft pick of the Chicago White Sox in 1975, and pitched six seasons in their Minor League system. He was released as a player and hired as a coach by the White Sox on the same day in Spring Training 1981. Lukevics spent the next four seasons as a pitching coach in their system. Following the 1985 season, Mitch moved into Chicago's front office as the Minor League administrator.
After 14 years with the White Sox, Lukevics then worked from 1989 through 1995 as the director of Minor League operations for the New York Yankees.
Mitch currently serves on the Minor League Baseball Board of Trustees as the Appalachian League representative, and also sits on the Major League Baseball Farm Directors Steering Committee.
Other recipients of the Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award include Bob Gebhard (2011), Mark Newman (2010), Keith Lieppman (2009) and Jim Rantz (2008).
Mike Coolbaugh Award
Johnny Goryl, Cleveland Indians advisor to player development
The Mike Coolbaugh Award is presented to an individual who has shown an outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field. Coolbaugh played in nearly 1,700 games in his Minor League Baseball career from 1990-2006. He also appeared in 44 Major League games. Coolbaugh was only 35 years old when he died after being hit in the neck by a line drive while coaching first base for Tulsa in a game at Arkansas on July 22, 2007.
"Johnny Goryl is a true baseball lifer and a most deserving recipient of the Mike Coolbaugh Award," O'Conner stated. "He has dedicated more than six decades to our game, mentoring and coaching several generations of players and staff using his immense knowledge, experience, passion and selflessness. Johnny's career is emblematic of Mike's goals of continuing in the game after his playing days and having an impact on future generations of players."
"As large as an organization as Minor League Baseball is, it is an absolute honor to be selected for Mike's award," Goryl said. "It was a very humbling and emotional experience for me when I heard the news, especially knowing how many other people are deserving of this honor.
"I want to accept this award on behalf of my three children, whose understanding of being without dad for all those years made, not only this career possible, but this award possible for me."
Goryl completed his 31st consecutive season in the Cleveland organization as a coach, executive, advisor or coordinator this year. Overall, he has spent 62 consecutive seasons in professional baseball, having begun his career as an infielder in the Boston Braves organization in 1951.
In his current role, Johnny is responsible for advising the Indians' vice president of player development and the field coordinator regarding all departmental operations and philosophies. He began his stint with Cleveland in 1982, serving as the Tribe's third base coach through the 1988 season.
In 1989, Goryl moved into the club's farm department as the director of Minor League operations. He also held the positions of special assistant baseball operations (1993-96), infield coach (1997-98), defensive coordinator (1999-2003) and player personnel advisor (2004-11), before assuming his current role as advisor to player development.
From 1966-80, Johnny was a manager or coach in the Minnesota Twins organization, including time on the Major League staff in 1969 and 1979-80. He then managed Minnesota for two seasons (1980-81), before joining the Cleveland organization.
Goryl played for 16 seasons in the Boston Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins organizations. He played parts of six seasons at the Major League level with the Chicago Cubs (1957-59) and Minnesota Twins (1962-64).
Previous winners of the Mike Coolbaugh Award include Mike Jirschele (2011), Woody Huyke (2010), Charlie Montoyo (2009) and Bobby Jones (2008).
Cubs' Rojas, Mets' Tong headline May's Minor League Players of the Month
Minor League Baseball announced the Player and Pitcher of the Month Award winners for May in Major League Baseball’s player development system.
Minor League Baseball, Joe Torre Safe At Home partnership enters ninth year
For the ninth year, Minor League Baseball and Joe Torre Safe At Home have teamed up to raise awareness about violence and abuse and to inspire fans of all ages to join them in SAH’s critical work. This year, 63 MiLB teams will participate in an in-ballpark initiative from May
MiLB podcast discusses Anthony, Caglianone at Triple-A
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the greatest Minor League promos happening in June
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
New playoff format coming to 2025 Dominican Summer League
Minor League Baseball announced the 2025 Dominican Summer League (DSL) season will begin June 2 with Opening Day festivities taking place at the Boston Red Sox Academy in Guerra. The 2025 campaign will also see the introduction of the DSL Cup, a new playoff format that will see 16 DSL
Debating best Minor League home caps on podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
The Omaha Storm Chasers' 'Take Meow-t' cat night included a Litter Box Sundae
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Boston's Triple-A affiliate throws birthday bash for Roman Anthony
With all the hype that has surrounded Roman Anthony over the past two seasons, it’s easy to forget how young he really is. MLB's No. 1 prospect played 70 games at the highest level of the Minors before he could order a beer. But he can now. Roman Anthony turned
Friendly foes, 2024 first-rounders Moore and Caglianone trade first Triple-A homers
For years, Christian Moore and Jac Caglianone laced up their cleats against one another in the SEC. A rivalry that spanned Florida, Tennessee and other landmarks across the South moved to Salt Lake City this week as the Royals and Angels' top prospects got simultaneous Triple-A promotions. So it was
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Everything you need to know for Triple-A Opening Day
First, there was big league Opening Day. Now it's Triple-A's turn to take the spotlight. The Minor League season opens Friday when the Triple-A International League and Pacific Coast League seasons get underway for the first of MiLB’s two Opening Days. And right out of the gates, several of baseball's
Top prospects to watch at Triple-A -- one for each organization
It’s Triple-A’s turn up to bat on Friday. The regular season begins for the Minor Leagues’ highest level one day after the action starts on the Major League side. Fun fact: it’ll be the earliest start to a Minor League season since 1951 (March 27). Double-A, High-A and Single-A will
Here's where every Top 100 prospect is expected to start the season
The 2025 Opening Day prospect roster announcements began last week when the Cubs informed Matt Shaw (MLB No. 19) he was making the trip overseas to compete in the Tokyo Series. Roki Sasaki (No. 1) also received the good news, but his assignment was much less of a surprise. Now