ValleyCats honored with two prestigious league awards

TROY, NY - The New York-Penn League has announced their 2014 league award winners, and the Tri-City ValleyCats are recipients of two prestigious honors.

The ValleyCats received the Vincent McNamara Outstanding Club Award, presented annually to the club that best exemplifies the exceptional standards of the complete baseball franchise in the areas of long-term franchise stability, contribution and promotion of the baseball industry, as well as contributions to the community and overall success of operations.

Additionally, ValleyCats Fan Development/Community Relations Manager, Michelle Skinner was honored with the JoAnn Weber Female Executive/Staff Member of the Year Award, presented annually to a woman who has made outstanding contributions to her club, the league, and within the baseball community.

The awards are voted upon by each of the 14 teams within the New York-Penn League.

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by our peers within the New York-Penn League," said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. "The Vince McNamara Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, in an effort to create fans for life. Congratulations to Michelle Skinner on her well-deserved recognition. She is a tremendous asset to our organization, and well-respected within our industry," Murphy said.

In 2014, the ValleyCats set a franchise single-season attendance record of 161,171 fans, captured the Stedler Division title for the third consecutive season, and advanced to the New York-Penn League Championship Series for the fourth time in five years.

Skinner oversees the ValleyCats community relations' efforts, which dedicates thousands of hours to community outreach and charitable initiatives each year. In 2014, the front office and players made over 160 community appearances, and the organization made over 400 donations to a wide variety of causes and organizations throughout the Capital Region.

"I am extremely honored to receive the JoAnn Weber Female Executive of the Year Award, it means a lot to be recognized amongst your peers," said Skinner. "However, it wouldn't have been possible without the great team in the Front Office, the staff, and the outstanding support of our fans. It is a pleasure to come to work each day and do something I love."

By receiving the league awards, the ValleyCats have now been nominated for two national awards presented by Minor League Baseball, the John H. Johnson President's Award and the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award. Both will be presented in December at the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, California.