Former Twins Manager Sam Mele passes away

Former Twins Manager Sam Mele passed away at 95. Photo Courtesy: Minnesota Twins

Former Minnesota Twins Manager Sam Mele has passed away at the age of 95.

Mele was the Twins' second manager and led the team from 1961 to 1967, finishing with a record of 522 - 431. He managed the team to a franchise-best 102 wins. The team won the American League title in 1965, but lost in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Before managing, Mele played ten seasons in the MLB. He began his career with the Boston Red Sox, but later played for the Senators, White Sox, Reds, and Orioles.

Mele passed away Monday night.

The Twins organization released the following statement.

“The Minnesota Twins are deeply saddened by the loss of Sam Mele.  The former skipper was an important figure in Twins baseball history. The beloved Mele, not only led the 1965 Twins to the American League pennant, but also helped establish the importance of Major League Baseball across the Upper Midwest.”