SAN JOSE, CALIF- The San Jose Giants are the recipients of the 2009 John H. Johnson President's Trophy, the highest award presented by Minor League Baseball. The President's Trophy is presented annually to honor the complete baseball franchise. The criteria is based on franchise stability, contributions to League stability, contributions to baseball in the community and promotion of the baseball industry."The San Jose Giants ball club is a shining example of what Minor League baseball symbolizes in communities throughout the country", said Pat O'Conner, President of Minor League Baseball. "The teams' financial stability, high quality of operation and professional management earn them a place in our organizational elite. Winning the John H. Johnson President's Trophy, our organization's highest team honor, is recognition of the fine job by ownership, management and the staff of the San Jose Giants."
The San Jose Giants experienced a record breaking season for the fourth consecutive year, setting new all-time attendance and revenue records. The Giants completed the regular season with a total attendance figure of 211,054, an average of 3,015 fans per game. The 2009 season marked the first time in franchise history that the team drew over 200,000 fans for the regular season. The team also drew a record postseason crowd of 12,053 in four games. The Giants combined regular and postseason total attendance was 223,107 fans. The 2009 season eclipsed all revenue numbers in the history of the franchise, a record 21% increase in total revenue based on an attendance increase of 16% over the previous season.
"This has been a magical season and our fans deserve so much of the credit," said San Jose Giants President and CEO Jim Weyermann. "To be honored by our peers with this prestigious award is the greatest single achievement in our franchise history. It places the San Jose Giants in elite company alongside previous winners and we thank Pat O'Conner for his recognition of the outstanding baseball community that resides in Santa Clara County."
The San Jose Giants have a long history in raising much needed funds for youth sports organizations, schools and other non-profits serving the community. During the 2009 season, the team raised over $300,000 for youth sports in our region and $100,000 for non-profit organizations.
The San Jose Giants held the first annual "Education Day" in 2009 which complements the team's literacy program serving schools throughout Santa Clara County. The 2009 "Education Day" provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding performance from students and teachers. In addition to literacy, the team worked closely with the Silicon Valley Leadership Organization and the State Department of Education to recognize outstanding performance of over 100 math teachers throughout the region. The San Jose Giants developed and distributed math books using baseball as the foundation to creating exciting ways for children to practice their math skills during a game, with follow-up activities for the family at home.
Unique to the 2009 season was the cancellation of the City of San Jose's official July 4th celebration due to difficult budget times and a lack of City funds. The San Jose Giants stepped up and raised the necessary funding to present the official fireworks display for San Jose at the ballpark and the surrounding fields located at San Jose State University.
In response to the tough economic times in our region, the team provided 20 games during the season which were free and open to the public at large. Our organization believes in the importance of making our baseball games accessible to anyone regardless of economic background. This program contributed to the record attendance season for the club.
In partnership with Comcast, the San Jose Giants produced several community programs unrelated to baseball and free to the public. Free movie nights were hosted throughout the season and to ensure that every child has the opportunity to celebrate a safe and fun Halloween; Gigante's Halloween Party was hosted at the stadium.
In related news, Mark Wilson, the long time San Jose Giants General Manager, was selected as this year's "California League Executive of the Year." Wilson just completed his 25th season with the team and is recognized as one of the top executives in Minor League Baseball.
The San Jose Giants open their 2010 season on Monday, April 12th at Municipal Stadium vs. the Visalia Rawhide. The Opening Night Extravaganza will include a post-game fireworks display, 2010 magnet schedule giveaway, the return of Gigante and much more. For more information on tickets for the 2010 season please call (408) 297-1435 or visit www.sjgiants.com.
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