BY DAN GLICKMAN
The Rochester Red Wings have announced this year’s inductees into the team’s Hall of Fame: Minnesota Twins-era outfielder Jason Kubel and longtime General Manager Dan Mason.
The two will be inducted one night after the other in August during the Hall of Fame Weekend of Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16- Kubel on the 15th, Mason on the 16th.
Kubel notched appearances with the Red Wings in 2004, 2006, and 2011. Born in South Dakota, the left-handed hitter batted for a combined .328 average with 21 home runs, 95 RBI, and 36 doubles in 125 career games for the Wings. Most of his at-bats came in the 2004 season, when he .343 with 16 home runs, 28 doubles, and 71 RBI en route to earning International League Rookie of the Year honors. Kubel later went on to play in parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues, primarily with the Twins but also in Arizona and Cleveland. In his time in the big league, Kubel hit .262 with 140 home runs, 187 doubles, and 564 RBI.
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“When Jason came to Rochester, he knew how to read pitchers and pitches. Very strong in his hands and arms and had a quick bat—a good hitter,” said former Red Wings Manager (2003-2005), Phil Roof, in a press release.
Dan Mason has been a mainstay for the Red Wings since he interned for the team in 1990. Known to fans for his wild promotional stunts and enthusiastic hands-on approach, he’s been general manager since 1995, winning several awards, including the International League Executive of the Year Award on three occasions (1996, 1997, and 2012).
“I could not be more proud of the man that Dan Mason is. His induction into the Red Wings Hall of Fame is exceptionally appropriate, as he has been the pride of the Red Wings for more than 36 years, and still counting,” said Red Wings President, CEO, and COO Naomi Silver in a press release. “We have long been the envy of ballclubs across the country for having the best general manager in the game, and we are so lucky to call him our own. The Red Wings have been and continue to be blessed to have this amazing, talented, and incredibly hard-working individual as the heart and soul of this organization.”
Tickets for the team’s Hall of Fame Weekend and all other remaining home games are now available. The Red Wings themselves are currently on their All-Star break but resume play in Lehigh Valley on Friday night at 7:05 p.m.
Thank you for covering the Wings, your professional style makes for easy in informative reading.