Montoyo, Meulens Elected To IL Hall Of Fame

Longtime Durham Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo and former International League MVP Hensley Meulens were elected into the league’s Hall of Fame, it was announced Tuesday.

Montoyo had a record of 633-515 in eight season with the Bulls before leaving to become third base coach of the parent club, the Rays. He led the Bulls to seven division titles and six appearances in the Governors’ Cup finals, winning the championship in 2009 and 2013. Montoyo, 50, was a two-time International League Manager of the Year and won BA’s Minor League Manager of the Year in 2009.

“I am honored and excited to be inducted into the International League Hall of Fame,” Montoyo said in a statement. “The Durham Bulls hold a special place in my heart, and I am looking forward to celebrating this honor with the Bulls and their fans.”

Meulens, better known as “Bam Bam” in his playing days, was IL MVP in 1990 for the Yankees’ affiliate in Columbus, and led the IL in homers and RBIs in 1992 when the Clippers won the Governors’ Cup.

Since 2010, Meulens has been the hitting coach of the San Francisco Giants.

The IL Hall of Fame, established in 1947, was dormant from 1964 until the League’s 125th anniversary season in 2008. The Hall currently has no permanent home, but exists as a traveling display which visits a number of the league’s stadiums each season.