MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-Manchester, NH- The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, are proud to announce they have received Baseball America's 2009 Bob Freitas Award at the Double-A level, recognizing the club as an outstanding franchise that has achieved long-term success in Minor League Baseball.  The announcement was made in the current print edition of Baseball America.  The Freitas Awards are presented annually to one team at the Triple-A, Double-A, Class A and Short-Season A levels.  They are named after the late Bob Freitas, a long-time minor league operator, promoter and ambassador who passed away in 1989.
 
"What makes the Freitas Award so special is that an organization has to prove itself over the long haul, building and sustaining a strong operation," said Fisher Cats Owner Art Solomon.  "We extend our congratulations to our terrific and deserving staff, from the full-time front office members to the game-day and seasonal employees who all contributed to this accomplishment."
 
"The tremendous support of our fans and our staff's continued commitment to putting on a great show every night gives them all true ownership of this Freitas Award," said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner.  "We thank Baseball America for this prestigious honor and congratulate the other winners."
 
 
The Freitas Award caps off a record-setting 2009 campaign for the Fisher Cats.  Here is a breakdown of the Fisher Cats' honors this season:
 
*Named Eastern League's top team for promotional effort, community involvement and overall operation for second consecutive year, earning league nomination for Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy
 
*Named Best Sporting Venue to Bring a Client in NH Business Review's Best of Business (BOB) Awards for second straight year
 
*Established a single-season attendance record with 386,991 fans
 
*Set single-game franchise attendance mark with 8,903 fans at Merchantsauto.com Stadium on May 26
 
*Team President Rick Brenner Named Baseball Executive of the Year by Baseball Digest
 
*Director of Public Affairs Danielle Matteau named Eastern League nominee for Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year for second straight year
 
*Merchantsauto.com Stadium named repeat winner of Most Vegetarian Friendly Ballpark in MiLB by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
 
*Turf Manager Shaun Meredith and NH turf crew won Pioneer® Athletics Field of Excellence® Award
 
*Play-by-play announcer Mike Murphy named NH Sportscaster of the Year
 
*Named 'Best of Bride 2009' by NH Magazine's BRIDE Magazine for 'Best Ballpark Bliss'
 
*Won Gold Circle Achievement Award, sponsored by New Hampshire Partners in Education

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