PORTLAND, Maine – On Wednesday, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats earned the Eastern League’s nomination for the 2018 John H. Johnson President’s Award. With nominees from each affiliated minor league, each year since 1974 Minor League Baseball gives the award to the minor league franchise that demonstrates organizational stability, while making significant contributions to its community, its league, and to the baseball industry.
“This nomination means so much to our organization, and we’re incredibly proud to represent the Eastern League,” said Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw. “I can think of no better way to honor the hard work of our staff, the passionate support of our fans, and the strong connection we have with this community.”
The nomination announcement capped a season that saw the team’s third Eastern League championship in 15 years as well $1 million in ballpark renovation, a renewed player development partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays until 2020 and a lease extension with the City of Manchester until 2035.
This year, the Fisher Cats recorded 319,099 fans heading through the turnstiles at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, a 12-percent increase from 2017, which was the first time New Hampshire saw attendance dip below 300,000 since 2005.
If New Hampshire wins the award, they will be the first Eastern League to do so since 2006 when the Altoona Curve earned the honor and the first Toronto-affiliate since the Northwest League’s Vancouver Canadians in 2013.
