66ers, Owner Dave Elmore Recognized During Opening Days of Baseball Winter Meetings
San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino and team owner Dave Elmore were both recognized for their work during the opening days of this year's Baseball Winter Meetings being held in National Harbor, Maryland. The 66ers were the recipient of both the Class A Bob Freitas Award and a Minor League Baseball Presidential Citation while Elmore was named the 2016 King of Baseball.
The Bob Freitas Award, which is presented by industry publication Baseball America, has been given to the organization with the best overall operations at each level of Minor League Baseball. This marks the first time the franchise has been given the award. The 66ers were also given a Minor League Baseball Presidential Citation for their work following the tragedy of the San Bernardino attacks on December 2nd, 2015.
"I'm so proud of what this front office has been able to accomplish this year," said 66ers General Manager Joe Hudson. "With everything the Inland Empire has gone through it was great to see our staff step up and be a backbone for the community when they needed it the most."
In addition to the club, owner David Elmore was recognized during the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet Sunday night for being the 2016 King of Baseball. The King of Baseball is a long-standing tradition in which Minor League Baseball recognizes an individual for their longtime dedication and service to the industry.
"It's truly an amazing honor to be named the King of Baseball," Elmore said. "There is nothing I have enjoyed more than being a part of Minor League Baseball for these past 36 years and seeing what our teams have done to bring our communities together and provide countless charitable benefits."
About the Inland Empire 66ers
The Inland Empire 66ers are the California League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their home games at San Manuel Stadium. The club is one of eight Elmore Sports Group owned franchises and one the six Minor League Baseball clubs in the group. Other Elmore Sports Group baseball franchises include the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League), The San Antonio Missions (Texas League), Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League), Eugene Emeralds (Northwest League), and the Idaho Fall Chukars (Pioneer League). The 66ers franchise will play their 30th season in San Bernardino during the 2017 season, which starts on Thursday, April 6th.
Follow the 66ers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @66ersbaseball