CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced Bluefield Ridge Runners general manager Garrett Schilling as the 2026 Executive of the Year. The award is presented to the executive who has made the most valuable contributions to their club and the league.
“This is a blessing and an honor to be chosen by my peers for this award,” Schilling said. “I very humbly accept the award but, more importantly, I have to give credit to my management team. Without their dedication, passion and unwavering work ethic I simply could not put on the production that is a Bluefield Ridge Runners home game.”
In Schilling’s second season as Ridge Runners general manager, the team welcomed 16,145 fans over 20 home openings, increasing average attendance compared to the 2025 season. Under Schilling’s leadership, Bluefield fans were invited to enjoy unique theme nights throughout the season including a National Pina Colada Day celebration, Motorcycle Night featuring a warning track ride, Military Appreciation Night featuring specialty jerseys and Billy Wagner Bobblehead Night featuring a ceremonial first pitch and autograph session with the Baseball Hall of Famer.
Off the field, Schilling continued to emphasize the Ridge Runners’ deep community roots, organizing service opportunities with Union Mission, the Wade Center, Tazewell County Public Library, Lotitto Park, Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Bluefield ABO (Alternative Baseball), among others. Through his organization and encouragement, the Ridge Runners players and staff became deeply ingrained within the Bluefield community, highlighted by 2026 Humanitarian of the Year Travis Peitz (INF, George Washington).
Under Schilling’s guidance, the Ridge Runners Kids Club took tremendous strides in 2026. Kids Club members had the opportunity to go bowling with the team at Mountaineer Lanes, attend a pool party at Fincastle, spend an evening on the diamond during a Party in the Outfield event, enjoy a pizza party during batting practice and tie-dye their very own Ridge Runners merchandise. All Kids Club members also had the chance to ride the Ridge Runner Barrel Train around the warning track during every home game.
Heading into the 2027 season, Schilling is overseeing a ballpark improvement project at Bowen Field that will benefit Bluefield players and fans for years to come. Before construction began, the Ridge Runners opened the offseason by hosting an Oliver Anthony concert, another example of the organization’s commitment to the community.
“At the end of the day, I am blessed to be in the wonderful game of baseball as a profession,” Schilling added. “I’m just glad that I get the opportunity to come to the ballpark every day and do my best to serve my team and my community through the opportunity I have been given. Go Ridge Runners!”
The San Diego, Calif., native originally moved to Bluefield to play baseball at Bluefield College (now Bluefield University), where he was hired as associate head coach after his playing career was over. Schilling has been actively involved with the Ridge Runners organization for a decade, including stints as pitching coach and fourth coach, and was named general manager in March of 2025. In his first season at the helm, the Ridge Runners won the 2025 Appalachian League championship.
About the Appalachian League
Founded in 1911, the Appalachian League is one of the longest-running baseball leagues in history. The Appy League is the only collegiate summer league under MLB and USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline (“PDP”) and is an integral part of the identification and development process for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Teams and other future National teams.
For more information about the Appalachian League, visit appyleague.com or follow @appyleague and @appyleaguedata on X, and @appyleague on Instagram.
