New Britain Gm Named Eastern League's 2009 Executive Of Year

Published on October 14, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - Eastern League President Joseph R. McEacharn announced today that 33-year-old John Willi, the Vice President and General Manager of the circuit's New Britain Rock Cats, has been chosen as the 2009 Eastern League Executive of the Year. The public announcement was made by McEacharn at 1:00 PM this afternoon at the League Office in Portland, Maine. Willi will receive the prestigious award in early December when the 2009 Baseball Winter Meetings convene in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The 2009 Season was the Long Island, New York native's third full season as the New Britain franchise's General Manager. During this three year period, the Rock Cats increased their Total Season Attendance each season, culminating in 2009 when the central Connecticut club entertained a franchise record 366,682 fans at New Britain Stadium. Moreover, the just-concluded season also saw the Rock Cats tie or set new franchise milestones in the Average Per Game Attendance (5,556) and Game Sellouts (22) categories. John Willi directs a dedicated staff that seeks to make every New Britain Stadium Opening an occasion for memorable and affordable family fun in the context an exciting professional baseball game.

In making today's announcement, President McEacharn said, "John has done an outstanding job during his time with the Rock Cats and his selection is well deserved; he has been a tremendous asset to both the New Britain organization and the Eastern League. His hard work, creativity, and dedication are among the reasons why the New Britain franchise is one of the top organizations in all of Minor League Baseball."

William F. Dowling, New Britain's President and CEO, stated "John Willi has been a highly valued professional with the Rock Cats for the past ten years. He is a tireless leader who will share the recognition that accompanies this important award with the entire New Britain staff - which is both proper and an attribute that helps make him such an effective executive. We unanimously applaud John's selection."

Dowling himself was the last member of the New Britain organization to receive the award; it came his way after his first season at the Rock Cats' helm in 2000.

A graduate of Binghamton University, Willi spent seven seasons with the Rock Cats before his promotion to Vice President and General Manager in 2006. Prior to joining New Britain, he worked for the League's Binghamton franchise and, earlier, the cross-town Binghamton Rangers of the American Hockey League.

Upon receiving word of his selection, an appreciative Willi said, "I am deeply grateful to be selected for this award. However, this recognition is really a reflection of the overall performance of the entire Rock Cats organization - a great front office, a proud and capable game day staff, and an extraordinary ownership group. I look forward to accepting this honor, while knowing that it would not have been possible without them!"

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