Baseball is filled with iconic families that have impacted the game across different generations.
One such family, recently carving out its niche in the baseball realm, is the Minasians.
Their journey begins with their father, Zack, who managed the clubhouse for the Texas Rangers from 1988 through 2009.
This environment offered his four sons—Rudy, Perry, Calvin, and Zack, Jr.—a front-row seat to the world of baseball, providing them with the chance to interact with legends such as Nolan Ryan, Tommy Lasorda, Bo Jackson, Iván Rodríguez, and even the former President, George H.W. Bush.
Growing up in this baseball-centric atmosphere instilled a deep passion for the sport in the brothers, now at various stages in their careers: Perry, 44, acts as the general manager for the Angels; the younger Zack, 41, occupies the same role with the Giants; Calvin, 43, holds the position of director of clubhouse and equipment for the Braves; and Rudy, 47, has taken a different route, successfully practicing law in Chicago.
THE CLUBHOUSE SEEDS
The story starts with Bobby Valentine, the former Rangers manager, who remembers Zack’s initial days with the team as a high school student.
During this time, Zack played a pivotal role, eventually evolving into an influential clubhouse manager who transformed the operations of Major League clubhouses.
Naturally, the entire Minasian clan got involved, as the boys began their careers as batboys and clubhouse attendants.
They were immersed in the game from an early age, with Rudy stepping into significant roles while Perry, at just eight, found himself fully dedicated as a batboy.
Calvin and Zack, too, quickly acclimated to the vibrant clubhouse culture.
Reflecting on their upbringing, Perry notes how this baseball-oriented household ingrained in them a strong work ethic, even when it came to the more routine tasks associated with clubhouse duties.
Zack recalls taking his responsibilities seriously as a child, often helping out and ensuring the clubhouse remained tidy, which helped lay the foundations for his future endeavors.
Players such as Will Clark recognized the commitment displayed by the Minasian boys.
Doug Melvin, a former GM of the Rangers, pointed out how the brothers learned the importance of hard work and maintaining a love for the game.
Buck Showalter, another Rangers manager, remarked on how the brothers balanced demanding hours with school, all while preserving their excitement for baseball.
Bobby Witt observed their enthusiasm for every task they undertook in the clubhouse.
YOUTHFUL MISCHIEF AND LAUGHTER
Despite the demands of their young roles, the Minasians never lost touch with the joy of childhood.
They frequently injected fun into their responsibilities.
A prime example is when they playfully hid a teammate’s shower towel, creating cherished memories amidst the pressures of Major League Baseball.
Their interactions with celebrities brought them pure delight as well.
Calvin fondly reminisces about Perry’s love for the spotlight during ESPN games, recalling a lighthearted moment when a newspaper mistakenly identified Perry as Nolan Ryan’s son because he happened to be seated next to the iconic pitcher, a memory Perry treasures.
Their mother, Barbara, emphasized that while the boys demonstrated poise in public, they let loose at home, embodying their youthful exuberance.
She believed this playful spirit was essential for children’s growth.
Bobby Valentine noted that the boys exemplified respect, a quality cultivated by their parents that greatly benefited them in the confines of a Major League clubhouse.
The Minasian household thrived on competition, both in sports and video games, which fostered their sibling bond and contributed to their character development.
Calvin recalls that, despite their occasional disagreements, their competitive spirit only strengthened their connection.
A WEALTH OF BASEBALL KNOWLEDGE
The brothers were fortunate to share a space with some of the game’s brightest minds in the Rangers’ clubhouse.
Perry frequently engaged in meaningful discussions with figures like Johnny Oates and Buck Showalter, keenly absorbing wisdom about both baseball and life.
Zack often reflects on how their father encouraged curiosity and questioning, enabling all four brothers to grasp the intricacies of the game as well as the relationships within it.
As Perry took on various roles, he made a point of soaking up every bit of knowledge he could, gaining insights into team management and player dynamics.
He believes that working alongside successful teams and facing challenges with struggling ones shaped his understanding of how to navigate a baseball season’s ebb and flow.
Zack cherished the mentorship they received, recognizing how being surrounded by passionate and knowledgeable individuals prepared them for future challenges.
Perry’s potential quickly came to light when Showalter joined the team in 2003, leading to his appointment as an assistant to the coaching staff.
His remarkable understanding of the game impressed Showalter, resulting in a series of promotions that increased his involvement with the team.
On another path, Zack began his rise in the Brewers’ front office right after completing college.
Recognizing his passion and potential, Melvin welcomed him to the team, helping to kindle this aspiring baseball executive’s journey.
With both brothers advancing, Perry became a Major League scout for the Blue Jays and swiftly climbed to the rank of director of scouting.
Simultaneously, Zack made history as the youngest pro scouting director at just 27 years old, a noteworthy accomplishment for the siblings.
Their collaboration proved fruitful, as they navigated significant trade discussions, relying on their strong bond and shared experiences to facilitate open communication and effective decision-making.
Meanwhile, Calvin followed his father’s legacy, stepping into the world of clubhouse management.
He enjoyed his time with the Nationals before joining the Braves, where he played a pivotal role in a championship-winning team, becoming the first brother in the family to earn a World Series ring.
In 2018, Perry took on the role of assistant GM with the Atlanta Braves and later became the general manager for the Angels in 2020.
Meanwhile, Zack settled into the Giants organization, thriving as their pro scouting director before becoming GM, marking a historic milestone as the first brothers in MLB history to hold the title simultaneously.
During the Winter Meetings, the Minasian brothers took part in an emotional interview that moved their father to tears.
He felt immense pride as he watched them reflect on their remarkable journey together.
Perry expressed how surreal it was to work side by side with his brother through various career stages, while Zack noted that their achievements felt almost too extraordinary to believe.
Calvin acknowledged the dedication and competitive spirit that drove his brothers’ successes, crediting their parents for instilling those values.
Showalter highlighted the positive impact the Minasians have on the game, noting how their work ethic and interpersonal skills continue to enhance the baseball community.
Valentine praised the family’s individual contributions to the sport, recognizing how each brother has made their mark in unique yet meaningful ways.
Will Clark summed it up well, celebrating the remarkable paths the Minasian brothers have taken and honoring the deep connections they maintain within the world of baseball.
