Kemple wins inaugural Matt Minker Award
"We are very happy Chris Kemple has been named the first winner of the Matt Minker Award," Royals assistant GM/scouting and player development J.J. Picollo said. "Chris is a dedicated member to our organization and does an impeccable job as general manager of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Matt was proud of the work Chris had done as his general manager and would be even prouder of how he has continued to operate the Blue Rocks in a first-class manner."
Kemple has been the only general manager the Wilmington Blue Rocks have ever known, serving in that role since the club's inception in 1993. He is a five-time Carolina League Executive of the Year (1993, 1998, 2002-04). A 1985 graduate of San Diego State University, Kemple was recognized by Baseball America in 2004 as the Minor League Executive of the Year. Kemple has been instrumental in Wilmington's hosting three All-Star games (1994, 1998, 2002) and was given the key to the city by Wilmington mayor James Baker in 2004. During his tenure, the franchise has also been honored with the prestigious Larry MacPhail Trophy (1996), and the Bob Freitas Award (1999) for the best promotions in Minor League Baseball.
The Matt Minker Award was created in honor of the former president and managing partner of the Wilmington Blue Rocks, who passed away at the age of 60 in November of 2007. The award honors a Minor League employee who most exemplifies the qualities Minker was known for, including a display of leadership and dedication to the Kansas City Royals organization.
NOTE: The Carolina League also created its own Matt Minker Community Service Award in 2008 that goes to a league player who does the best job of serving his club's community during each season. Wilmington pitcher Everett Teaford claimed that trophy in August.