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Minor League Baseball 2026 Awards Announced
Minor League Baseball reveals 2026 winners for Organization, Executive, Future Star and Diversity awards.
In brief
Minor League Baseball reveals 2026 winners for Organization, Executive, Future Star and Diversity awards. Minor League Baseball's 2026 award winners include Richmond Flying Squirrels for Organization of the Year and Asheville Tourists' president Brian DeWine for Executive of the Year. Originally reported by Mlb.
2026 Awards Announced
Minor League Baseball announced winners for Organization of the Year, Executive of the Year, Future Star Award, Driving Diversity Award, and MiLB Together Award.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Win Organization of the Year
Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants affiliate) set franchise record with 468,961 fans in 2026.
CarMax Park Opens
CarMax Park in Richmond opened in 2026 after years of planning, boosting fan attendance and community impact.
Record Attendance
Richmond Flying Squirrels drew 468,961 fans in 2026, fifth consecutive year leading Double-A attendance.
Financial Growth
Richmond Flying Squirrels saw 329% ticketing revenue growth, 658% partnership growth, and 68% retail revenue growth in 2026.
Community Impact
Richmond Flying Squirrels invested $100,000 in Richmond Public Schools baseball fields and launched elementary baseball programs.
Reading Program
Richmond Flying Squirrels' Go Nuts For Reading program reaches 68,000 students annually.
Leadership Team
Richmond Flying Squirrels led by president Brendon Porter, COO Ben Rothrock, GM Anthony Oppermann and senior advisor Todd 'Parney' Parnell.
Executive of the Year
Brian DeWine wins Executive of the Year for Asheville Tourists (Houston Astros affiliate).
Asheville Tourists
Asheville Tourists president Brian DeWine secured $40 million for HomeTrust Park renovations.
Community Response
Asheville community saw 192,472 fans at HomeTrust Park in 2026, an 18% attendance increase over 2025.
Hurricane Helene Impact
Asheville Tourists completed HomeTrust Park renovations despite Hurricane Helene disruption.
Family-Friendly Initiatives
Asheville Tourists added dollar hot dog nights, fireworks shows, and free entry for children under five.
Future Star Award
Kallie Harding wins Future Star Award for Sacramento River Cats (San Francisco Giants affiliate).
Sales Leadership
Kallie Harding grew River Cats' CATalyst sales team from 11 to 14 people in one year.
Revenue Impact
Kallie Harding's team generated 25% of River Cats' total revenues in 2026.
MiLB Together Award
Erie SeaWolves win MiLB Together Award for community impact.
Community Fund
Erie SeaWolves' Community Fund donated over $250,000 to regional causes in 2026.
Veterans and Educators
Erie SeaWolves donated 10,000 tickets to veterans, first responders, and educators in 2026.
C.A.R.E. Week
Erie SeaWolves launched C.A.R.E. Week with 60+ volunteer hours in final homestand.
What to remember
Minor League Baseball's 2026 award winners include Richmond Flying Squirrels for Organization of the Year and Asheville Tourists' president Brian DeWine for Executive of the Year.
