John Horaz Earns Carolina League Clubhouse Manager of the Year Honors
John Horaz Earns Carolina League Clubhouse Manager of the Year Honors CHARLESTON, S.C. – John Horaz of the Charleston RiverDogs has been named the Carolina League’s Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year, Minor League Baseball announced Tuesday. Winners were determined through surveys completed by managers, players and executives throughout the
John Horaz Earns Carolina League Clubhouse Manager of the Year Honors
CHARLESTON, S.C. – John Horaz of the Charleston RiverDogs has been named the Carolina League’s Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year, Minor League Baseball announced Tuesday.
Winners were determined through surveys completed by managers, players and executives throughout the season. In recognition of his hard work, a trophy bat will be presented to him by organization prior to a 2027 home game at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
“Johnny has been a tremendous part of our organization for the past four seasons, and his experience throughout the Rays organization has made him an invaluable member of our clubhouse,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “He plays an important role in making sure our players, coaches and staff have everything they need when they come to the ballpark each day. His dedication and consistency are a big part of what makes him so valuable to our organization, and we’re thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”
The 2026 season marked Horaz’s fourth with the RiverDogs and 14th in the Rays organization. A native of Newburgh, N.Y., Horaz has spent 20 seasons in professional baseball. Prior to joining the RiverDogs in 2023, he spent two seasons with the FCL Rays. Horaz began his professional baseball career as a batboy for the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2006.
“I really enjoy taking care of the players and making sure they have everything they need. My goal has always been for them to come into the clubhouse and just focus on playing baseball, while I make sure everything else is taken care of. A lot of this job happens behind the scenes, so to be recognized for it really means a lot”, said Horaz. “I also want to thank my assistant, Brian Gill, Dan Knapinski and Jon Kimball from Stadium Operations, and Dave Echols and his staff for everything they did throughout the season. This job takes a lot of people working together, and their help and support meant a lot. I’m very thankful to the Tampa Bay Rays and the Charleston RiverDogs for giving me the opportunity to do something I truly love every day.”
The RiverDogs will open the 2027 season against the Columbia Fireflies with a three-game series that begins on Friday, April 2. The club begins its home season against the Wilson Warbirds at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Tuesday, April 6. Start times and additional information will be announced on a later date.
About the RiverDogs
The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and three-time Carolina League Champions. The RiverDogs play their home games at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, a Charleston staple since 1997.. Beyond baseball, the RiverDogs host year-round events in the climate-controlled Segra Club.
Active members of the Lowcountry community, the RiverDogs were named the winner of the 2025 'MiLB Together Award,' which recognizes a team for outstanding commitment to charitable service in their community.
Team merchandise is always available at the RiverDogs Team Store. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS) for more information.