The Best Father-Son Duos in Minnesota Twins History

[Matthew Taylor]

Sports have given us some of the greatest father-son duos imaginable over the years. From the Mannings in football, to the Griffeys in baseball and even the Earnhardts in NASCAR, we have been treated to the best of the best. In light of Father’s Day, what are some of the best father-son duos in Minnesota Twins history?Andy MacPhail - Former Minnesota Twins GM

Father - Lee MacPhail - Former MLB Executive

Grandfather - Larry MacPhail - Former MLB Executive

 

Although his last name would have you think otherwise, Andy MacPhail was quite a baseball genius in his time with the Minnesota Twins. MacPhail joined the Minnesota Twins in 1985, in the midst of a 15 year playoff drought. Upon joining the Twins, MacPhail hired Tom Kelly and traded for the likes of Jeff Reardon, Dan Gladden and Joe Niekro — helping lead the Twins to their first World Series championship in 1987. Following a last place finish in 1990, MacPhail signed Jack Morris en route to another World Series championship in 1991.

 

The MacPhail family is the first family to have four generations affiliated with Major League Baseball, with Andy’s father, grandfather and nephew all in executive roles. Andy’s grandfather, Larry, served as the GM for the Cincinnati Reds, Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees. Andy’s father, Lee, was also an MLB executive, working as the GM for the Yankees and Orioles. Both Larry and Lee have been inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame.

 

Mike Bell - Minnesota Twins Bench Coach

Father - Buddy Bell - Former MLB Third Baseman and Manager

Grandfather - Gus Bell - Former MLB Outfielder

 

Although it feels like it happened a lifetime ago, Mike Bell was just hired on with the Minnesota Twins earlier this offseason to replace bench coach Derek Shelton. Bell joined the Twins after a stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks as their Director of Player Development. Bell previously played in the Majors for one season as the 3rd Baseman for the Cincinnati Reds.

 

Bell also comes from a multiple-generation baseball lineage as his father and grandfather were both former baseball players. Bell’s father, Buddy, had an 18-year career as an outfielder, highlighted by his time with the Texas Rangers. Buddy was a 6-time Gold Glover and 5-time all-star. Bell’s grandfather, Gus, played for 15 years in the Majors, making 4 all-star appearances.

 

Roy Smalley III - Former Minnesota Twins Shortstop

Father - Roy Smalley Jr. - Former MLB Shortstop

 

Roy Smalley III ranks 15th all time in with 20.8 career bWAR in Minnesota and is arguably the best shortstop in Twins history. Smalley played 10 seasons with the Twins, collecting over 1,000 hits. Smalley III is now making his mark as a Minnesota Twins broadcaster, working alongside Dick Bremer to call Minnesota Twins games.

 

Shortstop runs in the blood of the Smalley family as Smalley’s father, Roy Smalley Jr., was also a Major League shortstop. Smalley Jr. had an 11-year MLB career with the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. In his career, Smalley Jr. recorded 601 hits and 61 home runs.

 

Pat Mahomes - Former Minnesota Twins Pitcher

Son - Patrick Mahomes - NFL Quarterback

 

The final notable father/son connection from Minnesota Twins history isn’t an all-baseball connection but rather a baseball/football connection with former Minnesota Twins pitcher, Pat Mahomes, and his son, Patrick Mahomes.

 

Pat Mahomes was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 6th round of the 1988 Minnesota Twins. Mahomes didn’t exactly light Twins Nation on fire during his time with Minnesota, tossing a 5.82 ERA in 5 seasons.

 

While Pat Mahomes didn’t have much of a decorated career in the Twin Cities, his name has been brought up much more in Twins’ circles of late because of the success of his son, Patrick, on the football field. Patrick Mahomes has become the best player in football and is coming off of a Super Bowl Championship. At only 24 years old, Patrick Mahomes figures to collect much more hardware in the NFL and bring more accolades to the Mahomes name.

 

What names come to mind for you when you think of father-son connections with the Minnesota Twins? Happy fathers day to all the writers and readers of Twins Daily!

 

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[Seth Stohs]

Eddie Guardado --> Niko Guardado

 

 

[terrydactyls]

My brother sold the Twins their first video system in the early 60's and I contribute to Twins Daily periodically.  My brother was 20 years older than me and sort of a father figure.  Does that count?

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

Sal and Drew Butera

Ron and Toby Gardenhire

The Griffith family dating back to the days in Washington.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I had no idea Mike Bell was Buddy Bell’s kid.

[jimbo92107]

Pat Mahomes was such a puzzler for me. When he first came up with the Twins, I thought he was going to be a big star pitcher. Looked like he had good mechanics, a decent rep of pitches... Just didn't quite refine his command, I guess. 

 

His son Patrick is a real phenom, tho I wonder how long the kid can last with that playing style. Mobile QB's tend to have short, exciting careers in the NFL. Sure has been fun to watch so far...

[theBOMisthebomb]

The only thing I can add is Steve Bedrosian, 1991 World Series champion with our Twins. His son Cam is now a pitcher for the Angels.

[Shaitan]

 

Sal and Drew Butera
Ron and Toby Gardenhire
The Griffith family dating back to the days in Washington.

 

Joe and Tanner Vavra too.

 

The the Twins were rumored to have discussed Steve Lombardozzi Jr in a trade some years back...

[jkcarew]

The only true TWINS father/son (both actually played for the major league team) would be Sal and Drew Butera, right?

Also, Roy Smalley played for his uncle, who managed the Twins...and my uncle was my father figure...so kinda.