Madison Mallards Program 2019 Program | Page 72

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND

While the celebration and trophy were big, they were no match for the amount of pride felt by Mallards Manager, Donnie Scott. 2013 was only Scott’s second season as the Mallards manager and he already knew the Duck Pond was the place he wanted to call home for a long time.

“The first day I walked in here (Warner Park) I just couldn't believe it, I mean what an atmosphere,” Scott said. “I remember that night I called my wife and told her, this is the place where I want to be.”

Before becoming manager of the Mallards, Scott spent a summer acting as manager for the Battle Creek Bombers and guided the team to a Northwoods League Championship. Adding on to his already successful season, he won the 2011 Northwoods League Manager of the Year.

Scott is now in his seventh summer of managing the Mallards. During his time in the Northwoods League Scott has earned 296 wins, which is good for third in league history and most of anyone with less than ten seasons of being a coach. Last year, he won Northwoods league manager of the year.

“It was nice to win the award, but that’s really more of a team effort,” Scott said. “ I couldn't have won that without all the help from my players.”

However, he defines his success not by the wins and losses, but the impact he leaves on the players.

Tossing their helmets and gloves into the air, the Madison Mallards eagerly ran onto the field and crashed into a big sweaty dog pile. Defeating the Duluth Huskies in the 2013 championship series marked the Mallards second Northwoods League championship since being established in 2001.