Minor League Baseball 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 successes 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 and 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 appearance in Michigan by the Savannah Bananas, 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 more than $45,000 to youth baseball and softball programs, covering fees, equipment and fields for underprivileged players, while providing more than 900 tickets to families in need.
Marketing and promotions continue to be a strength for Whitecaps, as their social media platforms gained more than 13,000 followers and helped deliver more than 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, before the start of the season.
“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 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 and football legend Bo Jackson 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 and player appearances, 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 the youth theater program, the 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. 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 pregame 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 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.”