# MiLB Announces 2025 Award Winners

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/milb-announces-2025-award-winners/
- Published: 2025-10-07T09:00:00-05:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

### **Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Announces 2025 Award Winners**

#### **_Three teams and two executives honored_**

[⌊MiLB Press Release⌉⌊MiLB Press Release⌉[

**Oct. 6, 2025 —** Minor League Baseball (MiLB) today announced the 2025 winners
of the Organization of the Year Award, Executive of the Year Award, Future Star 
Award, Driving Diversity Award, and the MiLB Together Award. Nominees from each 
league were selected by their peers and were candidates for the overall awards.

**ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR – West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A Affiliate of the Detroit
Tigers)**

The 2025 season for the West Michigan Whitecaps was one of incredible success on,
and off, the field.

In addition to winning a Minor League Baseball-best 93 games on the field, the Whitecaps
recorded their highest average attendance since the 2001 season and set franchise
records for merchandise sales, advertising sales, food and beverage revenues and
led MiLB clubs in group tickets sold.

The club completed a multi-million-dollar renovation to LMCU Ballpark that will 
position the franchise for decades of future success by modernizing fan amenities,
expanding hospitality spaces, and enhancing player development facilities. The Whitecaps
hosted more than 150 events in 2025, including the first-ever BananaBall appearance
in Michigan, which drew national attention and showcased the versatility of the 
ballpark.

The Whitecaps continue to be leaders in the community, hosting a variety of events
and theme nights designed to support various charitable endeavors. The club hosted
impactful nights such as Paint the Park Pink, Negro League Appreciation Night, Pride
Night, Military Appreciation Night, and Mental Health Awareness Night. Those efforts,
paired with jersey auctions, raffles, and clinics, raised more than $160,000 for
local non-profits and the club donated over $45,000 to youth baseball and softball
programs, covering fees, equipment, and fields for underprivileged players, while
providing over 900 tickets to families in need.

Marketing and promotions continue to be a strength for the Whitecaps, as their social
media platforms gained over 13,000 followers and helped deliver over 30 million 
impressions/views in 2025.

“We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve done in the community,” said Whitecaps Vice
President and General Manager Jim Jarecki. “It’s all about passion, and taking care
of the fans, and what a great way to end the season, with an award like this.”

**EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR – Chip Maxson, President & Chief Operating Officer, Sacramento
River Cats (Triple-A Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants)**

When the possibility of the Athletics relocating temporarily to a Minor League Baseball
ballpark appeared closer to becoming a reality, Sacramento River Cats President &
COO Chip Maxson saw what he believed to be an incredible opportunity.

The complex challenge of coordinating two professional teams at the highest levels
of baseball playing in one stadium required strategic foresight, operational precision,
and a deep understanding of fan and player needs. Additionally, several transformative
upgrades were needed to a 25-year-old facility to meet MLB standards, including 
enhanced field lighting, the expansion of home and visiting clubhouses, expanded
dugouts and more to provide an MLB-level playing experience at Sutter Health Park.
Keeping the playing field at an MLB standard level provided additional challenges
that were met head on by Maxson and his staff.

Not only were the renovations and upgrades completed, but they were also executed
without compromising the River Cats’ identity or business model, preserving the 
spirit of Sacramento baseball while sharing the market with a Major League franchise,
a dual-team arrangement between an MLB and MiLB team that is unprecedented in modern
professional baseball.

And if a dual-team season weren’t enough for Maxson, he also welcomed a second child
with his wife, Allison, in January.

“The dedication and hard work demonstrated by Chip Maxson and his team this season
have been truly commendable. Their unwavering commitment to the fans, the community,
and Minor League Baseball has earned them this prestigious recognition,” said MLB’s
Vice President of Player Development Peter Woodfork. “Congratulations to Chip and
his staff on this incredible achievement.”

“This recognition is truly a family and organizational award,” said Maxson. “From
my family at home to the entire River Cats front office, we all embraced the opportunity
to do something great for our community. I have so much appreciation for the Sacramento
Kings, their leadership and support, as well as the Athletics for putting their 
trust in us. Major League Baseball and the City of West Sacramento have been tremendous
partners working with us from the start to ensure a successful season, and a successful
and very memorable season it was.”

**FUTURE STAR AWARD (Top Executive 25 or Younger) – Javik Blake – Biloxi Shuckers(
Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers)**

After arriving in Biloxi in 2023 following his graduation from Elon University, 
Shuckers Media Relations Manager and Broadcaster Javik Blake wasted little time 
making his presence felt, even as a 21-year-old rookie. Often the first to arrive
and last to leave, his tireless work ethic, humility, and passion for baseball have
made him an invaluable teammate.

When an unexpected opening thrust him into the role of lead broadcaster in addition
to his media relations duties, he never flinched, instead thriving in his expanded
role and proving himself to be a vital part of the organization and a rising star
in the baseball industry.

Blake’s passion and drive to help the Shuckers organization shines through daily.
His trademark positivity about being at the ballpark, whether for a 6 a.m. live 
hit for the morning news, or pulling tarp at 11:00 p.m. after a game, embodies his
selflessness and reliability. Blake’s enthusiasm inspires teammates, while his professionalism
earns him the respect of players, coaches, partners, and fans alike.

“Javik’s value to the Shuckers organization cannot be overstated,” says Shuckers
General Manager Hunter Reed. “We have a strong history of great people in this role,
but he has elevated every aspect of operations in broadcasting, social media and
media relations. He’s truly a special talent and individual.”

When he’s not on the air, Blake oversees the creation and distribution of press 
releases, game notes, game recaps and the club’s annual media guide. He coordinates
the team’s annual media day, local, regional and national media appearances and 
serves as the club’s lead spokesperson on radio and TV. He also authors engaging
feature articles for the team website and creates graphics for use on the team website
and social media platforms to promote ticket offers and promotions.

His efforts have led to a 70 percent increase in engagement on player content posts(
vs. the team’s average), and increased engagement on player stories by 12 percent.
Website traffic increased by 17 percent and traffic on the team’s ticketing pages
increased by 41 percent over 2024. The Shuckers also rank in the top half of Southern
League clubs in impressions and video views on X despite being in the smallest market
in the league.

His “Shuckers On Deck” pregame show, which he hosts from various locations around
the ballpark, integrates sponsor features and giveaways and provides unique perspectives
that deepen the fan experience. He produces and engineers all radio broadcasts, 
including the creation of all commercials and audio elements and conducts daily 
pregame interviews with players, coaches and Brewers staff.

During the offseason, Blake’s sales efforts secure sponsorships that fully fund 
broadcast operations and he oversees and executes all aspects of the Shuckers’ partnership
with their flagship station. He secured a two-year partnership for the 2024-25 seasons
and then negotiated a five-year extension through the 2030 season which includes
over $60,000 worth of advertising trade on the three largest radio stations in the
Biloxi market.

Blake is also committed to making an impact in the community. He serves as a mentor
to aspiring student broadcasters and journalists in the community and created a 
Junior Journalism Program and Junior Broadcaster Program. He also supports Gulfport
High School’s sports broadcasting class as a mentor and assists aspiring broadcasters
through speaking engagements with high school and college broadcasting/journalism
classes.

“This award is the culmination of so many different experiences and opportunities
that I’m so thankful for,” said Blake. “There are so many things that go into doing
the job outside of just showing up and calling a game and there are a lot of people
to thank that have had a part in getting me to this point.”

**MiLB Together Award – Charleston RiverDogs (Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay
Rays)**

The Charleston RiverDogs continues to redefine what it means to be a Minor League
Baseball team rooted in service, compassion, and community pride.

In 2025, their impact reached new heights through a series of initiatives that blended
generosity, creativity, and hands-on engagement. Their 2025 Hot Stove Banquet featured
baseball/football legend [Bo Jackson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksbo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-10-07_br)
and generated a $100,000 donation to MUSC Children’s Hospital in Charleston. The
contribution will directly support pediatric care, research, and family services,
making a lasting difference in the lives of children across the Lowcountry.

The RiverDogs also spent the 2025 season expanding their youth baseball programming
efforts by sponsoring and attending Little League games throughout the Charleston
area. The club participated in every Opening Day for both fall and spring seasons,
showing support for local leagues with banner purchases and mascot/player appearances,
and bringing excitement and encouragement to young athletes in addition to their
annual $20,000 commitment to tri-county Little League programs.

In March, they partnered with Shipyard Park, a five-field baseball complex, to host
a three-day tournament takeover in which the club held between-innings games and
had Charlie, the team’s mascot, celebrating big plays with both teams. Then, in 
June, they hosted a softball tournament takeover, where Charlie threw out the ceremonial
first pitch and the club hosted in-game activities.

In addition to their monthly staff volunteer efforts, the RiverDogs dedicated a 
full week in August to giving back through Niceness Week: A Celebration of Kindness
and Inclusion.

The week began with staff and players volunteering with Pet Helpers, assisting with
an expansion and organization project at their facility. Day two was highlighted
by a game with the local Miracle League program, which provided smiles and camaraderie
throughout a great day at the ball field. The third day saw staff and players team
up with Home Again and moved furniture into the homes of three military veterans.
On the final day, the club partnered with Katie’s Krops to distribute fresh vegetables
for families facing food insecurity. The week exemplified the RiverDogs’ belief 
that kindness is contagious—and worth celebrating.

The club used their ballpark to host numerous philanthropic events, including the
Heart Walk, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the 9/11 Stair Climb, numerous Lowcountry
Food Bank drives and school fundraisers. Additionally, when the Asheville community
was decimated by a hurricane last fall, the RiverDogs hosted a supplies drive that
brought in enough donations from fans, partners and the club to fill three semi-
trucks with essentials that were delivered to the Asheville community.

After making over $23,000 in in-kind donations in 2024, the club more than doubled
their giving in 2025, topping $50,000 in donations, furthering their impact in Charleston
and showing that their compassion and commitment to community knows no boundaries.

“It’s an honor to win this award as it shows that we are making a positive impact
in our community,” said RiverDogs Assistant General Manager Lance Fletcher. “We 
truly believe that if we, as a team, don’t give back to the community, they won’t
come back to us at the ballpark as fans.”

**Driving Diversity Forward Award – Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A affiliate of the
Colorado Rockies)**

Since opening Dunkin’ Park in 2017, the Hartford Yard Goats have put diversity at
the forefront of all their efforts in the greater Hartford community. The club strives
for diversity in their fan base, their gameday staff, amongst their front office,
and throughout their free community programs.

Each of their community programs are designed for one purpose: to ensure the residents
of Hartford, Greater Hartford, Connecticut and beyond understand they are always
welcome at Dunkin’ Park. That it is everyone’s ballpark.

The Yard Goats’ work in the community has helped diversify their fan base and reach
children and adults of all races and demographics, with more than 97 percent of 
program participants coming from a minority demographic.

The club’s Young Ambassador Program for high school aged youth living in Hartford,
or attending school in Hartford, helps build character, provide access, and explore
possibilities through unique workshops, independent activities, community service,
college tours and more. The program’s goal is to empower all participants to become
positive role models and leaders within their communities.

Twice each year, the Yard Goats invite black-owned small business owners to Dunkin’
Park to exhibit their products and services at the Black Business Expo. This upscale
affair draws hundreds of attendees and has become so popular the team created a 
Black-Owned Small Business Booth where businesses can exhibit and sell their products
during Yard Goats games.

In addition to the Young Ambassador Program and the Black-Owned Small Business Booth,
the club has been recognized for their homegrown programs for youth such as a youth
theater program, a culinary program, a physical fitness program, a Yard Goats dance
team and partnerships with inner-city drumline teams.

The Yard Goats’ Hartford Schoolboys alternate identity pays tribute to the Negro
Leagues and local Negro Leagues star [Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/taylojo04.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-10-07_br).
Despite never having a Negro Leagues team in the Hartford area, the club created
a logo and uniform to pay homage to their local star and the history of the Negro
Leagues.

The Yard Goats’ annual Negro Leagues Celebration Game includes a pre-game block 
party, HBCU & Greek participation and African dance, with black-owned businesses
exhibiting throughout the ballpark. The game has become a “must-attend” event in
Hartford and is a quick sellout each season.

Since 2018, the club has celebrated the local Hispanic and Latino community through
their Chivos de Hartford alternate identity. With a goal of making the Latino fans
feel comfortable at Dunkin’ Park, the Yard Goats worked with a local Latino marketing
agency, Latino politicians from the area, and the Chamber of Commerce to ensure 
their promotional efforts would be well received.

The club has celebrated the life and legacy of [Roberto Clemente](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clemero01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.nyrdcast.com&utm_campaign=2025-10-07_br)
since retiring his number in 2018 through an annual Roberto Clemente Celebration
Game. Prior to the game, the Yard Goats hold a clinic for children in the Latino
community through a partnership with the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Additionally,
the club sponsors the Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade and hosts the Los Amigos 
Softball League championship game at Dunkin’ Park. All Yard Goats home games are
carried live in Spanish on a local Spanish station.

The Yard Goats also celebrate other cultures through their Heritage Game Nights,
which celebrate Jewish Heritage, Italian Heritage, Irish Heritage, Portuguese Heritage
and more. The club also hosts Pride Nights, Women In Sports Nights and Autism Awareness
Nights, with each of these nights are created with representation and direction 
from the respective communities to best celebrate each culture.

“It’s always an honor to win an award in Minor League Baseball because all 120 teams
are so impressive and creative, and diversity is something that we’re all working
on in each of our ballparks,” said Yard Goats General Manager Mike Abramson.

“Our ownership group and our executive staff have always felt that the ballpark 
should reflect the community we’re in, and there’s still work to be done there, 
but we’re trying to build that diversity from the ground up, starting with the kids,
and we’re honored to receive this award.”

**##**

**About Minor League Baseball**

[Minor League Baseball](https://www.milb.com/) consists of 120 teams across four
classification levels (Single-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated
with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to MiLB games to see baseball’s
future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has
been a staple of MiLB since 1901. For more information, visit [MiLB.com](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.milb.com&d=DwMFAg&c=wveiQRxe0XcXhet-EEJuzw&r=U8lEQ4f0JaHQkP5sTu8A_fsPj1AEcG2jw4IKmA7C6f4&m=gx82ctM9mgoG5g09fj0lduE62Q8_i_GEBKBDEA8mmRY&s=cyYnwERtqZARX25_hnVmAc7UHpqtu7ffOOe7FLrwvfg&e=).
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