Snyder crowned 'King of Baseball'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Paul Snyder, who has been with the Atlanta Braves organization since 1957, was named the "2006 King of Baseball" Thursday night at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet.

The "King of Baseball" is a long-standing tradition in which Minor League Baseball salutes a veteran from the professional baseball world for long-time dedication and service.

Snyder currently is Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Braves. He signed with Atlanta as a player in 1957. After his playing days, he has held several positions with the Braves, including Director of Stadium Operations in 1966, the club's first season in Atlanta.

He became a scout in 1967 and was promoted to Director of Scouting in 1977 and Assistant Vice President of Scouting in 1983. Snyder was the Director of Scouting and Player Development from 1996-99. In 2000, he moved into his current role as Special Assistant, a position he also held from 1991-95.