Bats to receive Bob Freitas Award

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Baseball America has announced that the Louisville Bats franchise has been awarded the 2010 Bob Freitas "Organization of the Year" Award for the Triple-A level for their successful 2010 season and continued contribution to Minor League Baseball.

"We are very proud to receive the Baseball America Bob Freitas Award for Triple-A baseball," said Louisville Bats president Gary Ulmer. "We believe that this is the most prestigious and desirable award in Minor League Baseball, as it recognizes long term excellence in business and community involvement. With great fans and support from the city of Louisville, helping us keep Louisville Slugger Field beautiful, we have been able to provide affordable, quality entertainment in a great ballpark for many years and will continue to do so in the future."

The Freitas Award is named in honor of longtime Minor League Ambassador Bob Freitas and is awarded to franchises that are "on a path of long-term excellence and true parts of their communities." This marks the second time Louisville has won this prestigious award, the first time being in 1999.

"Baseball America is pleased to recognize the Louisville Bats as its 2010 Bob Freitas Award winner for the Triple-A classification," said Baseball America president Lee Folger. "The franchise shows a commitment to the Louisville community that is consistent with long-term success. The Bats set a strong example for franchise operations in the way they invest in their downtown facility, provide a terrific entertainment value, and demonstrate solid franchise management. As a result, the Bats achieve consistent yearly strong attendance numbers and have earned industry respect."

The Bats will be presented with the 2010 Bob Freitas Award on December 6 at the 2010 Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.