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New York-Penn League Announces 2009 Awards 10/21/2009 2:58 PM ETTri-City ValleyCats
ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- The New York-Penn League announced its six 2009 awards on Wednesday, recognizing both team and individual achievement. In 2009, the League renamed four of its awards, paying tribute to individuals who have had a positive impact on the League. The Vince McNamara Outstanding Club Award, Leo Pinckney Promotional Award, Robert Stedler Executive of the Year and the JoAnn Weber Female Executive of the Year have been renamed to honor the League's rich history. The recipients of three of these awards will represent the League for the national awards announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December. A new honor, the Sam Nader Award, was also introduced to recognize an outstanding Executive / Staff Member of the League. "I am very proud to announce the recipients of the New York-Penn League Awards for 2009", said League President Ben Hayes. "The NYPL has many of the most talented, creative and hard working executives in all of Minor League Baseball. Each team and individual honored exemplifies the rich tradition of the league for which the awards were named after."
Vince McNamara Outstanding Club Award Brooklyn Cyclones The Brooklyn Cyclones have led the entire Short-Season classification in attendance and revenue in each of its nine seasons, garnering worldwide publicity and becoming one of the most popular teams in all of minor league baseball. In doing so, the Cyclones have created a strong presence for minor league baseball in the country's sports and media capital. Brooklyn has received national spotlight, not only for baseball's historic return to the borough, but for the Cyclones' creative and unique promotions, including this year's "Baracklyn Cyclones" and "Bellies & Baseball." The Cyclones will represent the New York-Penn League for the NAPBL's national John H. Johnson Trophy, awarded at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.
Leo Pinckney Promotional Award Tri-City ValleyCats The Tri-City ValleyCats set an all-time attendance record for the sixth consecutive season in 2009. Highlights from the season included a record 15 fireworks displays, four bobbleheads and industry themed nights throughout the season. The ValleyCats "Weatherman Bobblehead" promotion was a finalist at the 2009 Promotional Seminar for "Best Theme Night". The ValleyCats are the league's nominee for the national Larry MacPhail Trophy, awarded at the Baseball Winter Meetings.
Robert Stedler Executive of the Year Award Tim Bawmann, Lowell Spinners Bawmann, a Minor League Baseball veteran of 20 years, has served as General Manager of the Lowell Spinners since 2003. Bawmann has guided the Spinners to single game and season attendance records, and franchise records in sales and marketing. The Spinners attracted sell-out crowds throughout the season despite heavy rainfall which affected half of the home games. Additionally, Bawmann represents the New York-Penn League as Chairman of the marketing committee.
Bob Julian Community & Baseball Service Award Dave Smith, Mahoning Valley Scrappers Smith, a 14 year veteran of Minor League Baseball, has served as General Manager of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers for the past 6 seasons. Smith has remained highly involved within the community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Regional Chamber of Commerce and remaining an active member with the Rotary Club of Warren and Trumbull 100. He recently completed 4 years of service on the Board of Directors for the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau serving most recently as President. Also, Smith represents the New York-Penn League as Chairman of the scheduling committee.
JoAnn Weber Female Executive / Staff Member of the Year Award Heather LaVine, Tri-City ValleyCats In 2009, LaVine significantly surpassed her corporate and group sales goal while leading Tri-City's Ticket and Merchandise operations to record breaking seasons. A firm believer of building communities through Minor League Baseball, she conceived of the ValleyCats' inaugural Leading Women in Business and Community Night as well as the Get Fit, Eat Right Campaign. LaVine is a finalist for the national Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award at the Baseball Winter Meetings.
Sam Nader Executive / Staff Member of the Year Award Vic Christopher, Tri-City ValleyCats A tireless promoter of Minor League Baseball throughout nine seasons in the New York-Penn League, Vic Christopher is the first recipient of the Sam Nader Executive / Staff Member of the Year Award. Christopher has been a part of five attendance record-breaking seasons with Tri-City, since joining the organization in November of 2004. In 2009, Vic negotiated several multi-team corporate sponsorship deals, resulting in significant revenue for teams in the northeast. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
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