Unlike the NFL, MLB and the minors have clearer delineations of the offseason, even if the general public doesn’t pay attention. Earlier this week, the GM meetings in Las Vegas were completed and if you don’t live in a ML city, the news likely didn’t register. Even if you aren’t a passionate fan of the game, you’ve probably read or heard that Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge repeated as NL and AL MVP respectively.

Were I not on a few minor league teams’ mailing lists, I wouldn’t have learned that the minor league award winners were just announced. I’m not talking about the on-field player awards, but rather the behind the scenes awards that few outside of the industry care about.

For each of the 11 minor leagues, three guys were named Groundskeeper, Clubhouse manager and visiting clubhouse manager of the year. I went through the list (which I can forward should anyone DM me) to see if I recognized any names. While the groundkeepers are the most visible of the three positions and their hard work is manifest on the field every day, it’s the clubbies that I’m glad get a little recognition.

While ML clubhouse guys receive a little press every so often, for the most part their dedication, hard work, love of the game and service to others goes unrecognized. There are some notable individuals and families that have devoted their lives to the service of others, in this case ballplayers, and coaches.

For as much time as I’ve spent at minor league ballparks, and in some cases on the fringes of clubhouses, I didn’t interact with too many clubbies until I spent time in Arizona for the Fall League and then Spring Training. However, about 8 years ago, I had the good fortune to spend about 6 hours over the course of three days in the company of Bob, the visiting clubhouse guy in Des Moines (home of the Iowa Cubs). Since the first two games were rained out, I got to watch him in action. And as someone who has been in service for over two decades, I appreciated how he put himself out for others. I have no idea if any of these guys will cash in with bonuses, but I do know that the players they serve appreciate their service. There is nothing glamourous about doing other people’s laundry, making sure they are well fed and comfortable and it might not be the entry into professional sports that one envisioned but it’s essential.