TINCAPS LOSE A WINNER

Dascenzo, 45, led the TinCaps to the best record in Minor League Baseball (94-46) and the franchise’s first-ever Midwest League championship. He became the “winningest” manager in franchise history, as he spent his last season in Fort Wayne. The TinCaps’ 2009 manager has been moved to Double-A San Antonio.

“It was just a magical, magical season from start to finish,” third year manager Dascenzo said. “This year’s Fort Wayne squad was truly something special. They loved to play the game of baseball and … kept it going all season long, winning the Midwest League title.”

But before leaving, Dascenzo put on his Fort Wayne smile one more time taking it to the San Diego Hall of Champions where he received the Jack Krol Award. The Padres’ annual awards ceremony was emceed by Channel 4 San Diego’s Mark Neely with appearances by team CEO and vice chairman Jeff Moorad, new general manager Jed Hoyer, as well as manager Bud Black.

Padres General Manager Hoyer said, “My goal here is to build a consistent winner.” Moving his focus to the Padres, “The most important thing to me, running a baseball team, is that the people…they’re going to have a quality product on the field when it gets to that time of the year.”

“And, the only way that happens is through great scouting, great player development.”

Hoyer acknowledged the accomplishments of Dascenzo contributing to a remarkable season by Single-A Fort Wayne. The TinCaps won the Midwest League championship with 101-48, including the post season.

“It’s a constant balancing act in developing individual skills as well as bringing them together and having them learn how to compete and win together,” Dascenzo explained. “And then one day they’re on the road to playing in the major leagues.”