Texas League honors Naturals

SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- The President of the Texas League, Tom Kayser, has announced Northwest Arkansas Naturals as the 2012 Texas League Organization of the Year. This honor comes as the club closes out its fifth year in Springdale, Ark.

The Organization of the Year in the Texas League is awarded through a combination of off-field rankings and evaluations provided by the Texas League managers, umpires and league executives.

"It is very satisfying to recognize the Naturals as the 2012 Organization of the Year for doing everything expected of a good franchise, and doing it well," said Kayser. "The Naturals also do a wonderful job working within their entire community, successfully partnering with a wide range of groups, helping to produce over $270,000 in cash and in-kind donations for over 100 non-profit organizations."

The Naturals averaged more than 4,600 fans per game in 2012, and had an overall attendance of more than 321,000, surpassing last year's total by more than 10,000. Arvest Ballpark has also hosted in excess of 40,000 additional fans at more than 100 non-baseball community events to date in 2012.

"For the Naturals to be recognized as Organization of the Year is a great honor to everyone involved with our team," said Naturals general manager, Eric Edelstein. "We're very fortunate to have such a dedicated team off the field, and tremendous support from throughout the entire Northwest Arkansas community."

The Naturals open up the 2013 season at Arvest Ballpark on April 4 and will have the honor of hosting the Texas League All-Star Game on June 25. For additional information and tickets, please visit www.nwanaturals.com online, or call (479) 927-4900.