TONIGHT: Minnesota Twins Honor Orono Baseball Coach

Orono youth baseball coach Jim Buck has been selected by the Minnesota Twins and "Play Ball! Minnesota" to receive the 2011 Minnesota Coaches Award.

The award honors the state's youth baseball coaches who excel at teaching baseball in a positive way, promoting good sportsmanship and sharing enthusiasm for the game. 

“I’m surprised and flattered,” said Buck, 48. 

Buck has coached youth baseball for five years. He lives in Independence with his wife and four children.

Off the field, Buck is CEO of Mardil Medical in Plymouth. 

“Jim goes out of his way to congratulate all kids on their good plays even if they are on the opposing team,” says Maureen Tomb.   

Tomb's 10-year-old son, Cody, was coached by Buck this year. 

“He emulates positive behavior on and off the field," Tomb said. "And just like Harmon Killebrew, Jim respects the officials’ calls and expects his team to also.”

Buck coached not one, but two youth baseball teams this summer—an Orono nine-year-old team and the Orono 10A tournament team. The 10A team was runner-up at the state championship tournament in July. He was nominated for this award by some players on the 10A team.

One of those players is Josh Mehaffey.

"Coach Buck is a great coach," Josh said. "He really explains things well, gives me tips on how to do it better and helps me work on something until I get it perfect. He really wants me to be a great baseball player. He knows everything there is to know about baseball."

Josh's mom, Catherine, says her son has grown as both a baseball player and young man under Buck's guidance. She described Buck as a "positive and influential" coach and stressed there are no favorites on his teams.

"Jim has solid tips and positive reinforcement no matter what position the player is in and if a player makes a  mistake, Jim never gets down on them," she said. "He has told me that when someone makes a mistake on the field, they already feel bad enough and he lets their own mistake teach the lesson rather than making them feel worse by yelling at them."

Buck will be recognized on the field at a pre-game award cemermony at Target Field on Sept. 6 before the Twins vs. White Sox game.  

In addition to bragging rights, Buck will receive tickets to the game and a Twins jacket.