Thomas Gray "The Mayor" Watkins, Jr. (born June 18, 1980) is an American former professional baseball third baseman and current coach.
[3] Watkins was drafted by the Twins in the 38th round of the 1998 Major League Baseball draft from Riverdale High School in Fort Myers, Florida, and was a fan favorite during his two-year stint with the Twins high A affiliate, the Fort Myers Miracle (2002–2003).
Twins general manager Terry Ryan announced his call-up while visiting the Red Wings; the news was very well received by his teammates.
Watkins spent ten years in the minors, all with the Twins, before making his major league debut.
[5] Red Wings Manager Stan Cliburn stated that Watkins' promotion to the big leagues "was one of the most emotional call-ups [he had] ever been involved with."
He helped coach the Gulf Coast League Twins, managed by Jake Mauer, and Class A Fort Myers during home games for the remainder of the season,[10] and in 2010, accepted a position as Batting Coach with the Midwest League's Beloit Snappers.
[11] With the transfer from Beloit Snappers to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, batting coach Tommy Watkins continued his tenure with the Twins Organization.