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2012 New York-Penn League Annual Awards Announced

The hard work of all teams and staff does not go unnoticed
October 5, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG - At the end of each season the New York-Penn League, a Class-A short-season league, holds annual awards that honor the best teams, executives, and club staff of the year.

The NYPL Annual Awards are divided into both team and individual awards and are each named after past League Presidents, and memorable club executives.

This year's winners are:
Team Awards

Vincent McNamara Outstanding Club Award - Hudson Valley Renegades
The 2012 NYPL Champion Hudson Valley Renegades not only had a memorable season on the diamond by finishing with the league's best record, 52-24, they had the best community programs and fan experience in the league.

Each year, the Renegades donate over $100,000 to community organization benefiting local schools, non-profits, charities, and those in need. The Pitch For Kids program was founded in 1999 and has since become a major program benefiting local children and families in various areas. Events including raffles and memorabilia auctions have raised more than $250,000 in 2012. Other events including golf, wiffleball, and kickball tournaments, home run derbies and 5K races all benefit the Pitch For Kids program.

The club highly encourages community involvement by players, coaches, and front office staff. BASEBald, Fitness on the Field, and the Renegades Reading Program all benefited groups in the Hudson Valley community.

Leo Pinckney Promotional Award - Brooklyn Cyclones
Each years, the Cyclones strive to bring their fans the best promotions in Minor League Baseball. This season, they may have done just that! The Cyclones were unrelenting when it came to nightly promotions and giveaways.

A wide variety of promotions and giveaways throughout the season kept Cyclones' fans entertained. Perhaps the biggest event was WWE Anti-Bullying Night presented by Be A STAR. Where WWE stars and divas Zack Ryder, Mark Henry, Natalya, and Lillian Garcia signed autographs for fans and shared the STAR message of anti-bullying.

Other events included Ballet and Baseball, Irish Heritage Night, and Bellies and Baseball. All of the promotions had pre or post-game events that fans could be involved. Giveaways were common throughout the season included jerseys, bobbleheads and t-shirts.

Juggling Peanut Vendors, the Beach Bums Dance Team, Jersey-Day Thursdays, Bad Day Sundays, Throwback t-shirt Tuesdays were all a nightly part of Brooklyn Cyclones games; by far, the best in the league.

Individual Awards

Hon. Robert F. Julian Community & Baseball Service Award - Gary Perrone - Brooklyn Cyclones

Robert Stedler Executive of the Year Award - Jason Dambach - State College Spikes

JoAnn Weber Female Executive/Staff Member of the Year Award - Debbie Primmer - Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Sam Nader Executive/Staff Member of the Year Award - Matt Callahan - Tri-City ValleyCats

Groundskeeper of the Year Award - Ryan Woodly - Staten Island Yankees

Congratulations to all of the 2012 Award winners! The dedication and service that all NYPL staff put into their teams illustrates why the New York-Penn League is the longest continually operated Class A league in Minor League Baseball.