Former Lowell Spinners Vice President Shawn Smith has been hired by the Boston Red Sox as their new General Manager of Florida Operations and Jet Blue Park at Fenway South.

Smtih began his first tour of duty in Lowell as General Manager in 1996. He transitioned out of that role in 2003, stepping to the plate to help Spinners Owner Drew Weber found the Manchester Fisher Cats, a Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Smith’s career also led him to the National Basketball Association and its Developmental League for 9-years before bouncing back to the Mill City for a second stint as Spinners Vice President. He held that position from 2016 until Major League Baseball disbanded the New York-Penn League in December of 2020.

While the Purdue and Syracuse University graduate is thrilled with his new role and renewed involvement with the Red Sox, a piece of his heart remains at LeLacheur Park on the banks of the Merrimack River.

“Lowell has not only played a significant role in my professional career, but more importantly, in my personal life,” Smith tells InsideLowell. “I have always been welcomed with open arms and I cherish the community. Lowell is woven within my heart.”

Smith has already started working in his new role and has had re-acquainted relationships with many former Red Sox and Spinners players who passed through Lowell and are still employed with the Sox organization in some capacity.