Fisher Cats Earn John H. Johnson President's Award Nomination

Team will represent Eastern League for award recognizing Minor League Baseball's 'complete franchise'

MANCHESTER, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have been chosen to represent the Eastern League for the 2012 John H. Johnson President's Award. The prestigious honor, presented annually by Minor League Baseball, is given to one minor league team in recognition of long-term success while positively impacting the local community and the game of baseball.

"We are honored to receive the nomination for this award from the Eastern League," said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. "We have been blessed to have a hard-working staff, the best fans in baseball, and great partners in our community who have enabled us to put on a fun, affordable show and make a positive impact on those around us."

The John H. Johnson President's Award is Minor League Baseball's top award, presented to "honor the complete baseball franchise." Teams are nominated based on franchise stability, their contributions to league stability, impact on the community, and promotion of the baseball industry.

"Under the leadership of Art Solomon and Rick Brenner, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats have become one of the model franchises in all of Minor League Baseball," said Eastern League President Joe McEacharn.  "In addition to providing fans with the affordable, family entertainment they've come to expect on a nightly basis at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, the Fisher Cats have become equally well known for their work in the community, raising money and awareness for numerous charities throughout the state of New Hampshire."

The Fisher Cats earned their first President's Award nomination by becoming one of the most successful teams in minor league baseball. Highlights for the Fisher Cats nomination include:

• Fisher Cats and Fisher Cats Foundation have provided nearly $2 million in monetary and in-kind donations to more than 3,000 non-profit organizations since 2006.
• Annual Granite State Baseball Dinner has generated more than $800,000 for the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation. Proceeds from the dinner have been used by the Fisher Cats Foundation to provide $170,000 in scholarships to 56 students in New Hampshire and Massachusetts since 2007.
• The Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by the Community College System of New Hampshire, has reached more than 155,000 students since its introduction in 2007.
• Welcomed the three-millionth fan on August 16, 2012, a feat accomplished in their ninth season; Total attendance in nine years is 3,064,395.
• With Manchester Christian Church, Queen City Paint, and the Ted Williams Foundation, hosted Manchester Goes Back to School 2012 to provide free school supplies to 3,000 families in Manchester; Host several other programs and events to raise money and awareness for hundreds of community organizations.
• Continuously recognized in several New Hampshire publications as 'Best Sporting Event to Take Clients', 'Best Sports Team', 'Favorite Sporting Event for Families', and 'Best Mascot'.
• Owner Art Solomon has published 'Making It in the Minors', an enjoyable read that provides a first-hand testament to making a team successful.
• Northeast Delta Dental Stadium upgrades include Samuel Adams Bar and Grill, MVP Healthcare Generation Go Play Area, and 140' LED board in left field.
• 2004 and 2011 Eastern League Champions; Host of 2008 and 2011 Eastern League All-Star Game.
• With their major league affiliate, the Toronto Blue Jays, 61 players have advanced to the majors.

The President's Award would be the latest national honor for the Fisher Cats. In 2009, they won Baseball America's Double-A Bob Freitas Award recognizing the Fisher Cats as the most outstanding franchise at the Double-A level for overall business operation and long-term success. A year later, 2010, the team was honored with the Larry MacPhail Award as the nation's best in promotional effort and community involvement.

Minor League Baseball has presented the President's Award to one team each year since 1974. Three Eastern League teams have won the honor, the last coming in 2006.

Fisher Cats Full and Half-Season Tickets are on sale now. Season Ticket Holders enjoy a host of benefits, including monthly all-you-can-eat barbecues, flexible exchange policy, a free kids birthday party, invitation to exclusive events, and much more. Fans that purchase by October 15 will also receive triple the Fisher Cash - up to $150 per full season seat - to use at concessions stands or in the Souvenir Store. Opening Day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is April 4, 2013, against the Reading Phillies (Philadelphia Phillies). For tickets, visit www.nhfishercats.com or call (603) 641-2005.