Willi named EL Executive of the Year

PORTLAND, Maine -- The Eastern League is pleased to announce that John Willi, who is the Vice President and General Manager of the New Britain Rock Cats, has been chosen as the 2009 Eastern League Executive of the Year. Willi, who is entering his fourth season as the General Manager of the Rock Cats, will be recognized at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana during the Opening Session on Monday, December 7th.

Under John's guidance the New Britain franchise welcomed a franchise-record 366,682 fans to New Britain Stadium this season. This marks the third consecutive season that the Rock Cats have established a new franchise record for total attendance. Additionally, the club also set a new franchise-record for average attendance (5,556) and tied the franchise record for sellouts (22) in a season. The Rock Cats are also heavily involved in the community in and around New Britain, raising money and awareness for numerous charitable organizations through the Rock Cats Foundation.

"John has done an outstanding job during his time with the Rock Cats and his selection for this award is well deserved," said Eastern League President Joseph McEacharn.

"John has been a tremendous asset to both the New Britain organization and the Eastern League. His hard work, creativity and dedication are one of the reasons why the New Britain franchise is one of the top organizations in all of Minor League Baseball."

Willi, who is a native of Long Island, New York, spent five seasons as the Assistant GM of the Rock Cats before being promoted to Vice President and General Manager following the 2006 season. Prior to joining the Rock Cats the Binghamton University graduate worked with the Binghamton Mets, the Binghamton Rangers of the AHL and a USTA Satellite Tournament.

With the presentation of this award the Eastern League would also like to recognize the outstanding job performed by the entire New Britain Rock Cats staff.