Canadians earn 2013 President's Award
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball™ announced today that the Vancouver Canadians are the winners of the 40th annual John H. Johnson President's Award. The Canadians will receive Minor League Baseball's top honor at the Baseball Winter Meetings™ Banquet at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 12.
The John H. Johnson President's Award has been annually presented since 1974 to honor the complete baseball franchise. The award's criteria are based on franchise stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball in the community and promotion of the baseball industry. The Vancouver Canadians join the Eugene Emeralds (2001) as the only Northwest League clubs to win the John H. Johnson President's Award. Vancouver is also just the second club from outside the United States (Mexico City, 1976) and the fifth Short Season-A™ or Rookie® League club to be selected as a President's Award honoree.
The Canadians attracted 184,042 fans this season, breaking their club regular season attendance record for the fifth straight year. Vancouver sold out 23 of its 38 home games on its way to drawing nearly 20,000 more fans than it did in 2012. On the field, the Canadians won their third consecutive Northwest League championship.
Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney, a pair of Canadian-born, community-minded businessmen, purchased the club in 2007. Since then, the duo, along with Co-Owner and Team President Andy Dunn, has succeeded in making the Canadians the premier summer sports entertainment experience in Vancouver. Shortly after Kerr and Mooney assumed ownership, the Canadians and the City of Vancouver announced a 25 year commitment to Nat Bailey Stadium as a long term home for baseball.
The ballpark has undergone several restorations and upgrading projects in recent years, including a complete redesigning of its inner concourse, the installation of a Bud Kerr Baseball Museum, a Wall of Fame tribute to those who have played there and historical murals on its exterior painted by a local artist.
The Vancouver Canadians contributions to their community are numerous, spearheaded by their efforts through their Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation. Since 2010, when the foundation was formed, the club has strived to give local children with families experiencing hard times the chance to enjoy and learn from the game of baseball.
Last year, the Vancouver Canadians Foundation Little League began. More than 600 children have been given the opportunity to play baseball in an eight-week league at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, as a result. The Canadians, and some of their business partners, transport, equip, feed, coach and mentor the children in this league and support it at a cost of more than $100,000.
Other community initiatives include partnerships with more than 20 organizations, such as Challenger Baseball, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds baseball program and a Strike Out Heart Disease campaign with a local hospital. The Canadians also donated nearly 5,000 tickets this season to non-profit groups and organizations like Kids Up Front to either help them raise money for their cause or to allow children the chance to attend a game that otherwise wouldn't have had an opportunity to do so. Team mascot, Bob Brown Bear, and club officials made more than 100 appearances and speaking engagements in the community.
Dunn led the Northwest League in negotiations for the construction and lease of a new stadium in Hillsboro, Ore., that the Yakima club relocated to after the 2012 season. The 2012 Northwest League Executive of the Year also served on the circuit's presidential search committee to replace retiring Northwest League President Bob Richmond.
"Minor League Baseball in Vancouver has experienced a renaissance, thanks to the efforts of the Canadians over the last several years," Pat O'Conner, President & CEO of Minor League Baseball, said. "The stability of the ownership group and the leadership and resources that Jake, Jeff and Andy provide to General Manager Jason Takefman and his staff allow the Canadians to accomplish everything that our clubs strive to become in their respective communities. They are truly worthy of becoming just the second international club to be presented with our highest honor, the John H. Johnson President's Award."
"On behalf of the entire Vancouver Canadians organization, we are extremely proud and humbled to be presented with the 2013 John H. Johnson President's Award," Dunn stated.
"This award would never have been possible without the dedication and unwavering support of so many.
"First off, to our dedicated front office and all of our incredible game day employees. They work so hard and sacrifice so much to ensure that each and every fan that leaves our ballpark nightly with both smiles and great memories.
"Our incredible fans from Vancouver and throughout the lower mainland to all across the great country of Canada. We cannot thank you enough for your constant support of our organization.
"Obviously, our great friends and partners, Paul Beeston and everyone with the Toronto Blue Jays, our fellow clubs in the Northwest League and the valuable assistance we receive from Pat O'Conner and the wonderful staff at the Minor League Baseball office.
"Last, but most importantly, our ownership team of Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney. They are without a doubt the finest ownership group in sports and a model for others to follow. They both undertook this opportunity years ago for the right reasons and that was to give everyone an organization we can all be proud of. Without their vision and dedication this award would never have been possible."
PAST JOHNSON PRESIDENT'S AWARD WINNERS
YEAR | CLUB | LEAGUE |
---|---|---|
1974 | Rochester | International |
1975 | Tacoma | Pacific Coast |
1976 | Mexico City Red Devils | Mexican |
1977 | Fresno | California |
1978 | Iowa | American Association |
1979 | Denver | American Association |
1980 | Quad-City | Midwest |
1981 | Great Falls | Pioneer |
1982 | Tacoma | Pacific Coast |
1983 | Louisville | American Association |
1984 | Albuquerque | Pacific Coast |
1985 | Las Vegas | Pacific Coast |
1986 | El Paso | Texas |
1987 | Syracuse | International |
1988 | Indianapolis | American Association |
1989 | Durham | Carolina |
1990 | Pawtucket | International |
1991 | Albuquerque | Pacific Coast |
1992 | Buffalo | American Association |
1993 | Norfolk | International |
1994 | Billings | Pioneer |
1995 | Columbus | International |
1996 | Salt Lake | Pacific Coast |
1997 | Richmond | International |
1998 | Lynchburg | Carolina |
1999 | Tulsa | Texas |
2000 | Portland | Eastern |
2001 | Eugene | Northwest |
2002 | Iowa | Pacific Coast |
2003 | Reading | Eastern |
2004 | Rochester | International |
2005 | Trenton | Eastern |
2006 | Altoona | Eastern |
2007 | Midland | Texas |
2008 | Cedar Rapids | Midwest |
2009 | San Jose | California |
2010 | Billings | Pioneer |
2011 | Tennessee | Southern |
2012 | Dayton | Midwest |
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Everything you need to know for Triple-A Opening Day
First, there was big league Opening Day. Now it's Triple-A's turn to take the spotlight. The Minor League season opens Friday when the Triple-A International League and Pacific Coast League seasons get underway for the first of MiLB’s two Opening Days. And right out of the gates, several of baseball's
Top prospects to watch at Triple-A -- one for each organization
It’s Triple-A’s turn up to bat on Friday. The regular season begins for the Minor Leagues’ highest level one day after the action starts on the Major League side. Fun fact: it’ll be the earliest start to a Minor League season since 1951 (March 27). Double-A, High-A and Single-A will
Here's where every Top 100 prospect is expected to start the season
The 2025 Opening Day prospect roster announcements began last week when the Cubs informed Matt Shaw (MLB No. 19) he was making the trip overseas to compete in the Tokyo Series. Roki Sasaki (No. 1) also received the good news, but his assignment was much less of a surprise. Now
Nationals prospect King joins MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Here are the 2025 All-Spring Breakout Teams
Fifteen games, several jersey swaps and countless highlights later, the second edition of Spring Breakout has officially concluded – and it lived up to its billing. Of the 16 contests sprinkled across four days, only one game (Dodgers vs. Cubs) was rained out. Coincidentally, the Cubs were one of two
Rox young sluggers aim to bring pop back to Coors Field
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coors Field may provide the best run-scoring environment in Major League Baseball, but the Rockies haven’t taken advantage of it in recent years. Even without adjusting for Coors, they have fielded offenses worse than the league average the past three seasons, and they scored the fewest runs
Astros brass sees potential in consistently 'underranked' farm system
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The last time the Astros landed in the top 10 of MLB Pipeline’s farm system rankings was before the 2019 season. Since those rankings expanded to all 30 teams ahead of the 2020 season -- 11 lists in total -- they’ve never ranked higher than
Complete results and highlights from Spring Breakout
The second edition of MLB Spring Breakout is complete, and there was no shortage of highlights from the future stars of Major League Baseball over the four-day showcase. Here's a complete breakdown of the 16-game exhibition:
Southpaw Spring Breakout: White Sox future on display with Schultz, Smith
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all goes as planned for the White Sox, left-handers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz won’t spend much time following each other to the mound in a single game. Schultz, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline, and Smith, who is
In first pro game, Rainer offers pop, promise to Tigers fans
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Bryce Rainer’s pro career consisted of workouts and batting practice until Sunday.
'Me and Brady on the dirt again': House, King reunite at Spring Breakout
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The 2025 Spring Breakout was a flashback for Brady House and Seaver King. Over 10 years ago, the infielders were travel ball teammates in Georgia who shared the dream of making it to the Major Leagues. Now, they are top prospects in the same organization,
Lambert -- 'an adrenaline guy' -- hoping to be next Mets bullpen gem
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ryan Lambert loves throwing hard. He relishes the idea of getting to two strikes and blowing hitters away. “Get me in a game,” Lambert said, “cool things will happen.”
Stewart embraces Spring Breakout: 'What's not to love?'
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect. On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between