George Tsamis

George Tsamis, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound former left-handed pitcher, made his mark on the diamond managing in the independent leagues. Tsamis described himself as a “players manager” who asks “players to give 100 percent and run out every ground ball, and hustle, show up on time. If you don’t, you’ll be disciplined; but if you can’t play for me, you can’t play for anybody.”1 The New Jersey press nicknamed Tsamis’s strategy “Tsamis-ball” for his prioritizing pitching and defense.2 His strategy worked. He managed multiple teams but is best known for his 18 years with the St. Paul Saints and his subsequent position with the Kane County Cougars.

George Alex Tsamis was born on June 14, 1967, in Campbell, California, to Deno and Mina Tsamis, Greek immigrants to the United States. Deno Tsamis left Greece in 1956 and first settled in London, Ontario, with his brother.3 Mina Giannkipoulos came to the United States via New York on the TSS Olympia on May 15, 1958, listing her occupation as seamstress, and then settled in California. The pair met in 1962. On March 25, 1963, Deno moved to the United States, and he and Mina married on June 23, 1963, in Alameda, California. The oldest son, Bill, was born in 1966, followed by George, born in Campbell, California, south of the San Francisco Bay area, in 1967 and Nick, born in 1969. All three of the Tsamis children grew up playing baseball.

In 1979 George played Little League ball in Campbell as a starting pitcher, first baseman, and shortstop (unusual since he threw left-handed). His team made it to the Little League World Series and reached the national championship final against Taiwan, which was making its eighth Little League World Series appearance since 1969. Campbell’s coach, Bubby Agliolo, said that Taiwan had “promised to score 12 or 14 runs. … Our guys proved they belonged by playing as perfect a defensive game as you will ever see anywhere.”4

The next year, the Tsamis family moved across the country to Clearwater, Florida. The brothers continued to participate in youth baseball. George spent his freshman year at Countryside High School on the bench for the baseball team. His sophomore year, he played first base and pitched, his victories including the school’s first full-game no-hitter.5 Tsamis was already drawing high praise from Countryside’s coach, Rick Misenti: “He’s an intelligent ballplayer and he pays attention to detail. He mixes up his pitches very well.”6

Despite being thought of as a pro prospect, Tsamis “was leaning toward staying in school,” even if he was drafted by a major-league club upon graduation.7 Tsamis enrolled at Stetson University in nearby DeLand, Florida, and impressed the coaches enough to be placed in the starting rotation.8 He showed them they had made the right call by notching 19 strikeouts in a 19-0 win against Bethune-Cookman, breaking the school’s previous single-game strikeout record of 16. Tsamis became one of the top three starters in the rotation.9 His role was starting in the weekend series games and pitching in relief during the week.10 Tsamis entered his junior year considered one of the best pitchers in the nation.11 He was also named the number-one starter for the year. In this role, he started the first game of the series against conference opponents12 His younger brother Nick began his freshman year and joined George on the pitching staff.13 Tsamis struggled as a junior, at one point losing six straight decisions. Over the summers, he played in the Cape Cod League for the Falmouth Commodores. His first year, 1986, he went 6-2. In 1988, he was selected to the West Division all-star team and was voted team MVP.14 He finished with a 7-2 record with a 2.77 ERA. Tsamis enjoyed his time playing in the wood-bat league. “You can work inside there and the ball travels farther off an aluminum bat. I broke eight bats up there. … I broke three in one inning.”15

After his junior year, Tsamis was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 33rd round of the 1988 amateur draft. The two sides didn’t come to an agreement after Tsamis declined Toronto’s initial offers and he returned to Stetson for his senior season.16 That year, he was out for redemption from an uncharacteristically poor performance his junior year, going 7-9 with a 3.62 ERA.17 “I have to show myself; I have to show everybody that I’m a good pitcher.”18 His coach, Pete Dunn, saw the issue as mental because Tsamis shone against top teams, but tended to struggle against others.19 Tsamis had a record-setting senior year: for strikeouts in a season;20 for most wins in a season when he picked up his 11th against Rollins College; and for most complete games in a season (9).21 One accomplishment was missing: a trip to the College World Series. He graduated with a degree in sports management, but without making the College World Series.22

On June 5, 1989, Tsamis was taken in the 15th round of the draft by the Minnesota Twins. He signed a contract the next day with his father and agent, Deno. He spent the first three years of his career moving between levels in the minors and between starting and the bullpen. His career would be defined by injuries – his and others.  At his first team, Visalia of the Class-A California League,23 general manager Bruce Bucz considered Tsamis “to be a real prospect.”24

One of Tsamis’s assets was a great pickoff move to first that cemented him in the top of the league in picking off baserunners. “Everybody complains about my move,” Tsamis said. “They say it’s not even close to a pickoff. They think it looks like a balk. The key is that I do the same thing whenever I go to first base or home. Everything is exactly the same.”25 Tsamis struggled as a starter and was sent to the bullpen. After a rocky start, he rebounded to end the season 6–3 with a 3.05 ERA.

Tsamis started the 1990 season once again at Visalia and ended with a 17–4 record with a 2.21 ERA. In 1991, Tsamis started the season promoted to the Double A Orlando SunRays. He then moved up again to Triple-A Portland, Oregon on April 12, because of Denny Neagle’s injury.26 It was supposed to be a short stay with Portland, but he pitched well enough for Portland to keep him for the rest of the season. “They told me it would only be two or three starts and I would be sent back. It got to be three or four starts then I was leading the league in ERA. It showed me I could pitch,” he said in midseason.27

In the offseason Tsamis pitched in the Venezuelan Winter League, starting 12 games with Cabimas to finish with a record of 4-7.28 He began 1992 spring training on the major-league roster. The Twins considered him a middle reliever and a “once through the lineup guy.”29 According to Rob Antony, director of media relations, Tsamis impressed the Twins players and Tsamis was “one of the three pitchers at Portland we expect to make it here someday.”30 It was not to be that year. He was optioned back to Portland but missed 10 days due to a pulled abdominal muscle. Tsamis struggled when he was moved to the bullpen, which manager Scott Ullger expected, saying, “It can be a tough adjustment at first.”31 Paul Abbott was called up to the Twins, allowing Tsamis to take his place as starter.32 He finished the season as the league’s leader in wins at 13, tied with Zak Shinall of the Albuquerque Dukes.33

In 1993 Tsamis again started at big-league camp, but was reassigned to Portland.34 Scott Leius injured his rotator cuff, so the Twins recalled Tsamis on April 25, giving him his shot.35  Tsamis made his debut pitching in relief April 26, against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing four hits and surrendering a run in four innings. He also hit the very first batter he faced.36 Even so, Tsamis “surprised club officials with his ability to throw strikes, change speeds, and keep hitters off balance,” extending his stay in the majors.37 Tsamis picked up his first major-league win at Oakland Coliseum on May 26, 1993, in a rain-soaked game full of errors and wild pitches.38 He was brought into the game with two outs in the eighth inning and the A’s leading, 10-9. The Twins were able to give him a 12-10 lead. Tsamis kept the lead, despite giving up a solo homerun to Marcos Armas, giving the Twins a 12-11 victory.

Tsamis went on the disabled list from minor abdominal pain just as the Twins were to send him back to Triple-A.39 While he recovered, pitcher Mark Guthrie went on the DL.40 With American League approval, Tsamis was taken off the DL and kept on the major-league roster.41 On August 14, he earned his only save, pitching four innings in relief against the Oakland A’s.42 Tsamis finished the season 1-2 with a 6.19 ERA, and after the season the Twins sent him outright to Portland.43 Tsamis spent the winter of 1993-94 playing in the Dominican Winter League. He started two games with a 1-0 record and a 0.77 ERA.44

The Twins released Tsamis just two days before the season began, despite him giving up only three earned runs all spring. The Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners, were interested. Tsamis chose the Seattle Mariners based on their lack of left-handed pitching depth. They sent him to Double-A Jacksonville, where he appeared in 13 games (five starts), going 3-3 before landing on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder.45 A month later Tsamis was promoted to Triple-A Calgary.46 He struggled in his debut, giving up four runs on six hits in two innings.47 Another injury, this time a torn rotator cuff put him back on the disabled list.48

On August 12, 1994, the major-league players went on strike, and the rest of the 1994 season, including the World Series, was canceled.49 Tsamis married Kelly Ann Henaghan the next day. On August 18 the Mariners released him.50 He then returned to theWinter League, appearing in three games with two starts and a 0-1 record with a 12.79 ERA.51 In December he underwent shoulder surgery to repair his rotator cuff. He never told team officials about his shoulder pain because he thought he had a shot to play in the big leagues again with the Mariners.52 Tsamis signed a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers because they “gave me a big-league camp invitation even if the strike ends. I didn’t sign as a replacement player. I signed as a minor leaguer.”53 He told reporters he had been contacted by 20 teams to be a replacement player.54 Dodgers general manager Fred Claire verified this strategy.55

As the strike wore on, the Players Association announced that it would “consider anyone playing exhibition games a strikebreaker.” This angered many, including Tsamis. He knew the minor leaguers were “in a no-win situation. If you play, you’re considered a scab. If you don’t play, you don’t have a prayer of making the team.”56 The union was asking them to give up their livelihoods while not supporting or representing them.

To make things even more difficult at camp, the Dodgers offered each player “a guaranteed job for the entire season” if they signed a replacement contract. This only guaranteed a spot in the system, likely placement in the minors. They would also receive a $5,000 signing bonus, and even more money if the strike canceled the season. The Dodgers handed out questionnaires to the players, who had 24 hours to return them. Tsamis said the situation “really stinks,” adding, “This is a decision that affects your whole life, your whole future, and you’ve got 24 hours to decide.”57

Tsamis accepted the replacement offer. In his first exhibition win, on March 18, he gave up three runs in 1⅔ innings in relief but got a 9-5 win over the Tigers.58 On April 2 the strike concluded, with major-league players returning on April 3 after 232 days.59 The Dodgers sent Tsamis to Bakersfield of the California League.60 He was subsequently released and never returned to the majors.

Tsamis said that he “tried to come back from shoulder surgery too soon. … It wasn’t the Dodgers fault.”61 He spent the next few years bouncing from team to team in the minors and independent leagues, occasionally picking up odd jobs to make ends meet. Tsamis said, “After pitching in the majors in 1993, I was ashamed to play in this league (Double-A) last year. Now, considering my situation, I couldn’t be happier.” 62 He also missed a good portion of the 1996 season.63 He needed a second shoulder surgery, this time for a torn labrum.64

In 1997 and 1998, Tsamis played in the Northeast League, where he pitched and became a pitching coach.65 He became a father during his first year there. His daughter Casey was born on July 16, 1997. Tsamis knew teams shied away from him because of his two shoulder operations, but still believed he could pitch in the majors. He thought he would be fully healed by spring training in 1998.66 After the season, he hung up his pitcher’s mitt for good and retired with an overall record of 58-33 over 10 seasons of professional baseball: 51-26 in Organized Baseball and 7-7 in the independent leagues. In February 1999, Tsamis was inducted into the Stetson Athletic Hall of Fame.67

He then took on his first managerial role with the Waterbury Spirit. The Northeast League merged with the Northern League, which became the team’s home. Tsamis managed the team to a 36-50 record.68 The performance led the team to offer him a contract extension.69 The team improved in 2000, making the playoffs with a 40-46 record. However, Waterbury ceased operations after the season.70 According to Northern League commissioner Miles Wolff, the team was, “a victim of low fan support and a decrepit stadium.”71

For the 2001 season, Tsamis signed on as the manager of the New Jersey Jackals. He was excited to manage what he called “the Yankees of the Northern League.” Tsamis expected the team to go further and compete for the Northern League championship.72 Going into his third year as manager, Tsamis had pinpointed his management style as a “players manager.”73 To help with baserunning and fielding, he added former major leaguer Jackie Hernández.74 His strategy worked: The team made the playoffs as a wild card and progressed to the Northern League championship, winning the series 3-1.75 Tsamis was named manager of the year.76 The playoffs were postponed and attendance sharply declined in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Both Tsamis and the team expressed a desire for Tsamis to return to the Jackals in 2002.77

During the offseason, three organizations contacted Tsamis, including an offer from the Minnesota Twins.78 January of 2002 started off with Tsamis agreeing to a three-year extension with the Jackals.79 The Jackals had an outstanding 2002 season, setting franchise records in total, home, and road wins en route to defending their title in the playoffs. Tsamis was named the East Division manager of the year.80 The Jackals picked up their second consecutive championship, winning the series three games to one.81

In November 2002, Tsamis resigned from the Jackals to take a three-year deal as the manager and “head of player personnel” with the St. Paul Saints.82 The team had been underachieving in the last few seasons; attendance, still highest in the league, had begun to decline. The Saints hired Tsamis to get them back to their winning ways.83

Tsamis recruited players for the Saints in the offseason, including Rickey Henderson. Henderson had no offers from a big-league team despite spending the previous season with the Boston Red Sox.84 While this attempt was unsuccessful, Tsamis started the season fielding 17 new signees out of 21 roster spots.85 The 2003 Saints completed just their second 50-win season since the team’s inception. Tsamis took them to the playoffs and the Saints gave him a contract extension that would keep him in St. Paul through 2008.86 For the third year in a row, Tsamis was facing the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the playoffs.87 The Saints jumped out to a two-games-to-one series lead, but were eliminated when Winnipeg won the next two games.88

The 2004 Saints made it to the playoffs with an overall record of 61-34, winning their first championship since 1996 in dramatic fashion.89 With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the Saints were trailing the Schaumburg Flyers by three runs when the team rallied to tie the score. Marc Marizzi unloaded on a 1-and-1 pitch to break the tie with a grand slam. This was Tsamis’s third championship in four years.90 The 2005 season saw change in the Northern League as two new teams were added, the Edmonton Cracker-Cats and the Calgary Vipers. These additions caused the league to place the Saints in the Southern Division. The Saints earned a place in the playoffs by winning the first half. They were tied for the second-half title, but the Gary SouthShore RailCats won the tiebreaker.91

In September 2005 it was announced that the Saints would leave the Northern League, which they had been a part of since 1993, and join a new league, the American Association. This new 10-team league had teams as far south as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. This geographic spread meant another change; the Saints began flying to some away games.92 The Saints struggled their first five years in the league. In the 2006 season, they got a playoff berth with an overall record of 54-42. In 2007 they earned a spot by finishing first in the second half of the season. The 2008 season saw the Saints not make the playoffs for the first time since Tsamis took over as manager, with a losing record of 42-54. The Saints also missed the playoffs in 2009 and 2010 with records of 49-47 and 45-51. Despite the struggles, in July 2007 the team extended Tsamis’s contract through 2009.93 On July 27 Tsamis became the Saints’ all-time leader in victories with his 265th win.94

After the 2010 season, four of the remaining eight Northern League teams left and joined the American Association.95 This growth caused restructuring. The 14 teams were divided into three divisions: Central, North, and South. The schedule went to a 100-game single season. The playoff teams were the winners of each division, plus a wild card.96

In 2011 the Saints rebounded and made the playoffs as the wild card. Only 11 players who suited up on Opening Day were still with the team at season’s end because of injuries and opportunities in MLB.97 The Saints lost in the finals to the Grand Prairie AirHogs in five games.98  On July 20, 2012, during his 10th season as manager, the Saints defeated the Sioux City Explorers for Tsamis’s 500th win with the team.99 The Saints finished the season 52-48 without a playoff appearance. On November 21, 2012, Tsamis’s father, Deno Tsamis, died at the age of 76.100

The Saints finished the 2013 and 2014 seasons with sub-.500 records. In 2014 they played their final season in Midway Stadium, their home since 1993. CHS Field, located in downtown St. Paul, opened in 2015.101 Able to use the brand-new ballpark to recruit, Tsamis brought in higher-tier players. Only eight of the players from the 2014 team appeared on the 2015 roster.102 The team Tsamis built christened their new ballpark with an 8-7 win.103 They set several franchise records and won 74 games, one shy of setting the league’s record for most wins in a season. They finished first in their division, making it to the playoffs.104

Early in 2016, from May 30 through June 13, the team covered 3,063 miles by bus on the longest road trip in franchise history. The Saints continued winning, despite the long bus rides, going 9-5.105 They finished out their season in walk-off fashion, beating Lincoln 5-4, and ending tied for the best record in the league at 61-39.106 However, they were unable to get to the championship after being eliminated by the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the first round of the playoffs.107 In 2017 the Saints got off to a good start, going 27-13, but the team struggled in the second half and again missed the playoffs. After going 48-52, Tsamis and the Saints hoped for a rebound in 2018.108

The American Association realigned in 2018, placing teams in the North or South Division.109 June 12 brought Tsamis his 1,000th career win in a come-from-behind victory.110 The Saints returned to the playoffs in the wild-card position after going 59-41 and tying for first in the North Division.111 They beat the RailCats in the playoff series112 but lost to the Kansas City T-Bones for the championship.113

On August 23, 2019, Tsamis reached another milestone, managing in his 2,000th career game in a 2-1 victory.114 The Saints returned to the playoffs, staging a huge comeback in the first round by winning the last three games in the series. The Saints quickly defeated Sioux City in three straight games. Chesny Young came up with the bases loaded, swung on the first pitch, and turned it into a grand slam, putting the Saints ahead 5-3. That became the final score, and the Saints won their first American Association championship, but the second championship under Tsamis.115 Local celebrations included a one-block championship parade. Tsamis and some of the players attended the Twins game, where Tsamis threw out the first pitch.116

The 2020 season was unlike anything anyone had ever seen. As coronavirus spread around the world, large gatherings such as concerts and sporting events were canceled or presented with very small audiences. Some leagues, such as the affiliated minor leagues, canceled their seasons altogether. The American Association carried on, albeit with a shortened schedule. Games were played in three “hub cities” that allowed fans to be spectators at the games: Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Milwaukee; and Fargo, North Dakota.117 The Chicago Dogs were allowed to play in their home stadium.118 Only six teams, including the Saints, participated in the season. A special draft was held for players who were on inactive teams. Those players would then return to their respective teams in 2021.119 The Saints lived out of a hotel in Sioux Falls for the first part of the season. The first home game allowed at CHS Field was played on August 4, and the seating was limited to 1,500 to follow social distancing guidelines.120 The Saints failed to make the playoffs, and Milwaukee beat out Sioux Falls for the title.121

In December of 2020, a reorganization of minor-league baseball was announced. Some 40 teams would no longer be part of the minor leagues, but a few teams were added. The St. Paul Saints became the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, only 10 miles away. For Tsamis, this meant that, after 18 years, his role with the Saints would change. He was notified on November 13 that he would no longer be manager.122 Tsamis understood but was “devastated” by the news yet “happy” for the team and its owners.123 He did accept the position of director of youth sports and clinics that the club offered.124

For “four long painful months,” there were no contract offers. Then in February 2021, the phone rang. The Kane County Cougars were a minor-league affiliate for 30 years. With realignment they became independent.125 They had no players and were responsible for paying for everything: equipment, coaches, and players. The Cougars joined the American Association, the former home of the Saints. The team hired Tsamis, giving him the challenge of putting together a team, including coaching staff, before the start of the season in May.126 The Cougars experienced some growing pains in their first independent season with a sub-.500 record.

Because of COVID-19, the American Association champion 2019 Saints had not yet been formally honored by the team. On August 5, 2021, the Saints honored the team and Tsamis personally. They retired his jersey (22), and he threw out the first pitch.127

The 2022 season showed a big turnaround by the team as it made the playoffs with a 54-46 record. But it was eliminated in the first playoff round by the Cleburne Railroaders.128 Tsamis was named the 2022 American Association Manager of the Year. The 2023 campaign with Kane County was his 25th season as a manager.129

Sources

In addition to the sources cited in the Notes, the author consulted Ancestry.com and Baseball-Reference.com.

Notes

1 Darren Cooper, “Jackals to Usher In Tsamis Time,” Montclair (New Jersey) Times, November 22, 2000: C3.

2 “NJ Jackals Journal,” Montclair Times, May 31, 2001: C3.

3 “Tsamis, Deno,” Tampa Bay (Florida) Times, November 24, 2012: 7B.

4 Don West, “Little Leaguers Big in Campbell,” San Francisco Examiner, August 29, 1979: 49.

5 Kevin Thomas, “Sophomore Pitcher Has Already Established Himself,” Tampa Bay Times, March 17, 1983: 10C.

6 “Sophomore Pitcher Has Already Established Himself.”

7 Don Banks, “Suncoast High School Stars Await Pro Calls,” Tampa Bay Times, June 3, 1985: 5C.

8 Beth Rhoden, “Woide to Get Call in Stetson Opener,” Orlando (Florida) Sentinel, February 14, 1986: 5. 

9 “Stetson Baseball Opener Set Feb. 13 Against FIU,” Orlando Sentinel, February 6, 1987: 13.

10 Creig Ewing, “Stetson Setting Torrid Pace in TAAC Race,” Orlando Sentinel, March 18, 1987: 12.

11 Darrell Proctor, John Romano, Brian Landman, Holt Hackney, and Scott Alan Salomon, “College Baseball Preview ’88,” Tampa Bay Times, February 3, 1988: 4C.

12 Creig Ewing, “Hatters Lose Lumber, Will Rely on Quick Feet,” Orlando Sentinel, February 7, 1988: C12.

13 Darrell Proctor, John Romano, Brian Landman, Holt Hackney, and Scott Alan Salomon, “College Baseball Preview ’88,”

14 Creig Ewing, “Hatters Have World Flavor,” Orlando Sentinel, July 31, 1988: 19.

15 Creig Ewing, “Tsamis Plans to Return to Stetson for His Senior Year,” Sentinel, August 10, 1988: 7.

16 “Tsamis Plans to Return to Stetson for His Senior Year.”

17 Creig Ewing, “Hatters Have World Flavor,” Orlando Sentinel, July 31, 1988: 19.

18 Alan Schmadtke, “Tsamis Out to Prove His Pitching Worth,” Orlando Sentinel, January 18, 1989: 6.

19 Alan Schmadtke, “Tsamis Out to Prove His Pitching Worth,” Orlando Sentinel, January 18, 1989: 6.

20 “Naples Catcher Is 4th Recruit Signed by Dunn,” Orlando Sentinel, May 7, 1989: 15.

21 Alan Schmadtke, “Tsamis Backs 18-Hit Attack as Stetson Cruises,” Orlando Sentinel, May 10, 1989: B4.

22 Dave Theall, “Northwest Grad Roberts Draws Raves at USF,” Tampa Bay Times,April 9, 1990: 8.

23 Alan Schmadtke, “Twins Send Tsamis to Visalia,” Orlando Sentinel, June 7, 1989: 5.

24 George Hostetter, “Clark Worshiper Has Own Identity with Oaks,” Fresno (California) Bee, April 26, 1990: 7.

25 Jon Flick, “Visalia’s Tsamis Blanks Spirit 9-0,” San Bernardino County (California) Sun, August 5, 1990: C2.   

26 Jeff Lenihan, “Rookie Knoblauch Also Showing Qualities of a Leadoff Hitter,” Minneapolis Star-Tribune, April 15, 1991: 8C.

27 Derek Catron, “Tsamis Follows Advice: Quit Worrying and Get Batters Out,” Orlando Sentinel, July 4, 1991: I12.

28 Registro stadísti stadístico Del Beisbol Profesional Venezolano, https://www.pelotabinaria.com.ve/beisbol/mostrarlphp?ID=tsamgeo001.

29 “Dave Theall, “Tsamis Awaits Call from Big Twins,” Orlando Times, June 14, 1992: 4.

30 “Dave Theall, “Tsamis Awaits Call from Big Twins.”

31 Scott Purks, “Tsamis Looking for Right Stuff in Middle Relief,” Tampa Tribune, July 15, 1992: 8.

32 Jeff Lenihan, “Reboulet Shaky on Basepaths,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 23, 1992: 5C.

33 Dave Theall and Wayne McKnight, “Pro Baseball,” Orlando Times, January 30, 1993: 5.

34 Kevin Kaminski, “Twins-Red Sox Recap,” Fort Myers (Florida) News-Press, March 23, 1993: 4C.

35 “Leius Goes on DL; Twins Recall Tsamis,” Saint Cloud (Minnesota) Times, April 26, 1993: 2B.

36 Jim Souhan, “Tapani Gets Rocked Again, Twins Fall 10-3,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, April 27, 1993: 1C.

37 Jim Souhan, “Garces Out as Willis Activated,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 15, 1993: 7C.

38 Associated Press, “It Rains: Hits, Runs, Blown Saves, Raindrops,” Reno (Nevada) Gazette-Journal, May 27, 1993: 2E.

39 Jim Souhan, “Tsamis Takes Detour to Doctor’s Office on His Way to Portland,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 29, 1993: 5C.

40 Dennis Brackin, “McCarty, Twins, Stay Hot,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 31, 1993: 1C, 7C.

41 Jim Souhan, “McCarty, Mack Appear Together, but Not for Long,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 1, 1993: 5C.

42 “Baseball,” Vancouver (British Columbia) Province, August 15, 1993: A57.

43 Sid Hartman, “Purdue, Gophers Similar,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 9, 1993: 3C.

44 “George Tsamis,” LIDOM, http://estadisticas.lidom.com/Miembro/Detalle?idMiembro=7160.

45 Dave Theall, “Tsamis Eyeing a Return to Majors as New Mariner,” Tampa Bay Times, June 26, 1994: 4.

46 Gyle Konotopetz, “The Game Story,” Calgary (Alberta) Herald, July 27, 1994: C2.

47 “The Game Story.”

48 Kevin Thomas, “Tsamis Won’t Give Up Dream,” Tampa Bay Times, August 20, 1997: 6C.

49 Tom Verducci, “Sham Spring,” Sports Illustrated, February 23, 2015: https://vault.si.com/vault/2015/02/23/the-sham-spring.

50 Gyle Konotopetz, “Game Story,” Calgary Herald, August 19, 1994: C4.

51 “George Tsamis,” LIDOM, http://estadisticas.lidom.com/Miembro/Detalle?idMiembro=7160.

52 Kevin Thomas, “Tsamis Won’t Give Up Dream,” Tampa Bay Times, August 20, 1997: 6C.

53 Jim Souhan, “Rockies Express Interest in Tapani,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 20, 1995: 8C.

54 “Rockies Express Interest in Tapani.”

55 Steve Dilbeck (Associated Press), “Dodgers Will Wait to Pop the Question,” Vancouver Sun, February 11, 1995: C14.

56 “Union Throws Curve to Minor League Players,” Reno Gazette-Journal, February 21, 1995: 1D.

57 Bob Nightengale, “Play With Us, Stay With Us,” Newport News (Virginia) Daily Press, February 24, 1995: 4.

58 Associated Press, “Dodgers Top Tigers, 9-5,” Lansing (Michigan) State Journal, March 19, 1995: 8G.

59 Tom Verducci, “Sham Spring.”

60 “The Day in Sports,” Los Angeles Times, April 3, 1995: C14.

61 Dave Theall, “Tsamis Seeks Another Chance,” Tampa Bay Times, June 25, 1995: 8.

62 Peter Thomson, “Nifty Pitching Stops Orlando,” Orlando Sentinel, July 22, 1995: B-5.

63 Kevin Thomas, “Tsamis Won’t Give Up Dream,” Tampa Bay Times, August 20, 1997: 6C.

64 Nancy Morgan, “Ex-Countryside Star Is Manager in Minors,” Tampa Bay Times, October 14, 2001: 26.

65 “Deals,” Great Falls (Montana) Tribune, May 17, 1998: 2S.

66 Kevin Thomas, “Tsamis Won’t Give Up Dream,” Tampa Bay Times, August 20, 1997: 6C.

67 Bill Buchalter, “5 to be Inducted in Stetson’s Hall,” Orlando Sentinel, January 8, 1999: C8.

68 John P. Cleary, “Northern League East Teams at a Glance,” Elmira (New York) Star-Gazette, May 26, 2000: 2B.

69 “Transactions,” Kokomo (Indiana) Tribune, August 24, 1999: B4.

70 “Tsamis Named Jackals Manager,” Montclair Times, November 16, 2000: C7.

71 Eric M. Weiss, “Peters Renews Pitch for Baseball,” Hartford Courant, October 23, 2000: A4.

72 Darren Cooper, “Jackals to Usher In Tsamis Time,” Montclair Times, November 22, 2000: C3.

73 “Jackals to Usher In Tsamis Time.”

74 “Jackals Add Jackie Hernandez to Staff,” Clifton (New Jersey) Journal, April 5, 2001: A22.

75 Darren Cooper, “Jumping Jacks!,” Montclair Times, October 4, 2001: C1.

76 Jim Saip, “Story Behind Signing One of League’s Elite,” Glen Falls (New York) Post-Star, July 7, 2002: D3.

77 Darren Cooper, “Jumping Jacks!” Montclair Times, October 4, 2001: C1, C3.

78 Darren Cooper, “Tsamis’ Plan Is the Same,” Montclair Times, May 23, 2002: C1-C2.

79 “Tsamis Agrees to Three-Year Extension,” Montclair Times, January 24, 2002: C3.

80 Angela Daidone, “Jackals Manager Earns League Honor,” Hawthorne (New Jersey) Gazette, September 4, 2002: H47.

81 “Back to Back Jacks,” Montclair Times, September 26, 2002: C1.

82 “Jackals Shake-Up,” Montclair Times, November 14, 2002: C2; “Francona Picked as A’s Bench Coach,” La Crosse (Wisconsin) Tribune, November 7, 2002: B-8.

83 “St. Paul Saints Focus on Winning Again,” La Crosse Tribune, May 5, 2003: B-4.

84 La Velle E. Neal III, “Saints Show Interest in Signing Henderson,” Minneapolis Star-Tribune, April 10, 2003: C2.

85 John Millea, “Fireworks Start Quickly for Saints,” Minneapolis Star-Tribune, May 24, 2003: C2.

86 “Saints Reward Tsamis with 3-Year Contract Extension,” Minneapolis Star-Tribune, September 1, 2003: C2.

87 John Millea, “Saints Make a Return to Playoff Ball,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 2, 2003: C10.

88 Greg Di Cresce, “Goldeyes Savour Victory Over Tsamis and the Saints,” Winnipeg Sun, September 8, 2003: S7.

89 “Northern League Division Playoffs,” Kansas City Star, September 7, 2004: C5.

90 Adam Wazny, “Grand Slam Gives Saints N.L. Title,” Winnipeg Sun, September 21, 2004: 49.

91 “Breaking Down the Northern League,” Munster (Indiana) Times, September 6, 2005: C3.

92 John Millea, “Saints Venture Out as Part of New Baseball League,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 12, 2006: C10.

93 Brandenburg Wins His Fifth, Helps Saints Top Explorers,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 20, 2007:C6.

94 “Johnnies Senior Charged with Sexual Assault,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 28, 2007: C5.

95 Christopher Burbach, “‘Wait Till Next Year’ May Be Too Optimistic for Downtown Park,” Omaha World-Herald, September 14, 2011: 1, 2.

96 “Pheasants Release Schedule,” Sioux Falls (South Dakota) Argus-Leader, December 31, 2010: 3C.

97 Brian Stensaas, “There’s No Season Like Postseason,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 1, 2011: C2.

98 “AirHogs Down Saints to Clinch Championship,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 13, 2011: C7.

99 Terry Hersom, “Saints’ Tsamis Hits Milestone in Win Over X’s,” Sioux City (Iowa) Journal, July 21, 2012: B1, B2.

100 “Tsamis, Deno.”

101 Jason Gonzalez, “Aging Midway, Home of Saints, Takes Last Bow,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 15, 2014: C1, C8.

102 Chip Scoggins, “Saints on the March,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 30, 2015: C1, C6.

103 Jim Souhan, “If ‘Fun Is Good,’ Opening a New Ballpark Is Better,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 22, 2015: C1.

104 Jason Gonzalez, “Saints Hope Playoffs Put Icing on Magical Season,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 9, 2015: C3.

105 Chip Scoggins, “For Well-Traveled Saints, ‘Friendly Confines’ Is a Bus,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 14, 2016: C1.

106 “Saints Finish Atop League,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 6, 2016: C2.

107 “Goldeyes Eliminate Saints in Fifth Game,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 13, 2016: C7.

108 Jim Paulsen, “Saints Start on the Road,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 18, 2018: C3.

109 “Northwestern Ends U’s Soccer Win Streak at Five,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 13, 2017: C9.

110 “Saints’ Tsamis Posts 1,000th Career Win,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, June 13, 2018: C9.

111 “Gophers Are No. 1 in Volleyball,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 4, 2018: C7.

112 “Saints Edge Gary, Win Playoff Series,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 9, 2018: C11.

113 “Saints Lose Finals in Four Games to K.C.,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 16, 2018: C14.

114 “Truax Fight Called Off,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, August 23, 2019: C3.

115 Randy Johnson, “It’s a Grand Slam Finish to Saints’ First League Title in 15 Years,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 15, 2019: C3.

116 Jim Souhan, “Saints Get Their Moment in the Sun,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 18, 2019: C1, C4.

117 “St. Paul Saints to Start July 3rd,” Winona (Minnesota) Daily News, June 14, 2020: B2.

118 Randy Johnson, “Saints Up, Play Ball!” Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 2, 2020: C1.

119 Tim Gray, “Dogs Strike Out,” Lincoln (Nebraska) Journal Star, June 13, 2020: B1, B3.

120 Randy Johnson, “Coming Home for the Homestretch,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, July 31, 2020: C4.

121 Curt Hogg, “Champs! The Milwaukee Milkmen defeat Sioux Falls to Win the American Association Championship,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, September 17, 2020. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2020/09/17/milwaukee-milkmen-win-2020-american-association-baseball-championship/3489912001/.

122 Dan Hayes, “After ‘Crushing’ Departure, Ex-St. Paul Saints Legend George Tsamis Is Finding His Way with Kane County Cougars,” Athletic, August 6, 2021, https://www.theathletic.com/2756498/2021/08/06/after-crushing-departure-saints-legend-george-tsamis-is-finding-his-way-with-kane-county-cougars/.

123 Patrick Reusse, “Tsamis Now an Outsider, but Only on Paper,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, December 13, 2020: C2.

124 “After ‘Crushing’ Departure, Ex-St. Paul Saints Legend George Tsamis Is Finding His Way with Kane County Cougars.”

125 “After ‘Crushing’ Departure, Ex-St. Paul Saints Legend George Tsamis Is Finding His Way with Kane County Cougars.”

126 Chelsea Janes, “Minors League Teams Adjust to Major Shifts,” Spokane (Washington) Spokesman-Review, February 28, 2021: B3.

127 “After ‘Crushing’ Departure, Ex-St. Paul Saints Legend George Tsamis Is Finding His Way with Kane County Cougars.”

128 “Kane County Cougars Yearly Results,” Stats Crew, https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/standings/t-kc12296.

129 Robert Pannier, “Kane County Cougars George Tsamis Named American Association Manager of the Year,” Minor League Sports Report, September 9, 2022. https://minorleaguesportsreport.com/index.php/kane-county-cougars-george-tsamis-named-american-association-manager-of-the-year/.