A nice postseason award for the North Shore Navigators, as the team was named the summer-collegiate Futures League Organization of the Year.
“Since day one, Pat Salvi and Bill Terlecky have been great league partners and community leaders,” said Futures League Commissioner Chris Hall. “Their leadership has allowed the Navigators to become successful on the field, in the stands and in the city of Lynn. It has also been an integral part of the success of the Futures League as was seen at this year’s All-Star Game at Fraser Field.”
The Navigators are coming off one of the best seasons in franchise history as they set records in both attendance (1147 per game) and wins (33). The Navigators also set team records in triples, stolen bases, walks, on-base percentage, All-Star selections and FCBL post-season awards. Additionally, the Navigators players set 9 individual franchise records and 3 FCBL individual awards. The Navigators also played host to a crowd of over 2,300 people at the 2015 FCBL All-Star Game.
“This was a tremendous year for us both on and off the field,” said Navigators General Manager Bill Terlecky. “We had a great returning team of staff members including the Laramie family, Joe Gill, Meli Abraham and Roei Biberstain that worked great with our new interns to provide a great experience for both the players and fans. We would also like to thank our host families, community sponsors and fans. Without their constant and undying support we would not be where we are today.”
“Our franchise is very proud to receive this honor,” said Navigators owner Pat Salvi. “It is a credit to our terrific General Manager, Bill Terlecky, and his staff. Also, we could not have achieved this without our great partnership with the City of Lynn. We are part of a terrific league and will strive to get better every year for our wonderful fans.”
These words of partnership were echoed by Lynn City Council President Dan Cahill. “We are very proud of Bill Terlecky, his players and his staff for being recognized for their outstanding performances both on and off the field,” said Cahill. “Lynn is honored to partner with the Navigators and we look forward to many more successful seasons to come.”
The Navigators, with the current ownership and leadership team, have been in Lynn since 2012 and have signed a long-term lease to be there for many seasons to come.
Also part of the Futures League awards: Bristol Blues General Manager Rick Muntean has been named the league’s 2015 Executive of the Year.
“Rick is a baseball lifer,” Hall said. “He truly loves all aspects of the game. His passion and experience was exactly what the community of Bristol and the Blues needed to bring baseball back to historic Muzzy Field. Rick’s leadership will allow the Blues to be successful for years to come.”
Under Muntean’s leadership during the Bristol Blues inaugural season, the ballclub clinched the West Division title and then went on to compete in the league championship Series. The Blues’ pitching staff’s 2.78 ERA led the league. In addition, the Blues led the Futures League with seven players selected to the league’s All-Star Game.
During the Blues first season Muntean initiated the “Blues Kid’s Club” and “Blues Reading Program.” The team raised over $20,000 for local charities and landed in the top 40 in attendance in all of summer collegiate baseball. The Blues averaged 1,312 fans during the regular season and 1,745 during four playoff games. The 1,312 regular season attendance outdrew the Bristol Red Sox when the AA affiliate of the Boston Red Sox called Muzzy Field home. Muntean was also named the Grand Marshall of the prestigious “Mum Parade” in Bristol this fall. This is the second time Muntean has been awarded the “Executive of the Year.” He was recognized by the Northern League in 2004 when he was the General Manager of the Kansas City T-Bones. Muntean is entering his 33rd year in baseball.
On Muntean being named Executive of the Year, Blues owner, Elliot Scheiner, said, “Rick has been such an asset to our group. His dedication and loyalty along with his 30 plus years of experience helped us provide a tremendous experience and product for the City of Bristol. With his leadership we’ll be able to continue to grow our fan base while being integral part of the Bristol community.”