Cox Named SL Executive Of The Year

The Southern League Wednesday announced Tennessee Smokies General Manager Brian Cox as the recipient of the league's 2015 Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year Award, as voted on by the league's executives. The honor is the third time Cox has received the honor after previously earning the award in 2004 and 2010.

Cox just finished his 14th season as General Manager with the Smokies, joining the organization in 1990 as Director of Media Relations when the franchise was the Knoxville Blue Jays. He went on to be promoted to Assistant General Manager after the 1994 campaign prior to becoming the club's General Manager in February 2002.

"Brian has been a key member of the Smokies team for more than 25 years now, and we could not be more excited for him to receive this award," said Smokies Team President Doug Kirchhofer. "He has made valuable contributions to both the Smokies and the Southern League and has earned the respect of his peers across Minor League Baseball."

Cox was heavily involved in the club's name change to the Knoxville Smokies in 1993, as well as the team's move to Smokies Stadium in 2000. The franchise has also received a large number of accolades during Cox's time with the Smokies, including the prestigious John H. Johnson Trophy in 2011, which is awarded to the "most complete franchise" in Minor League Baseball. The team was also named the 2014 Don Mincher Organization of the Year Award by the Southern League, in addition to being named the 2015 Attraction of the Year in the state of Tennessee by Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association.

In addition to this duties with the Smokies, he also serves as chairman of the Southern League Rules and Competition Committee. Cox is a graduate of East Tennessee Regional Leadership (ETRLA), while also previously serving as a board member of the Tennessee Donor Services and is a graduate of Leadership Sevier in 2004.

The honor is the third time Cox has been named the league's top executive after previously receiving the honor in 2004 and 2010. Nominess were appointed by the Southern League's executives, then voted on by that group, consisting of team presidents and general managers from all ten of the circuit's clubs.

The Smokies will commence their 2016 campaign at home against the Mobile BayBears on Thursday, April 7, 2016. The full schedule for next season and season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.