FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The Fort Wayne TinCaps have been named the top minor league organization in baseball.
In a ceremony at Parkview Field on Thursday, Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’Conner presented the TinCaps with the 2016 John J. Johnson President’s Award via video feed on the ballpark’s massive videoboard. The award is minor league baseball’s top honor for organizational excellence, and is awarded to one club out of the 160 teams from Rookie League to Triple-A.

“We’re honored to receive the John H. Johnson President’s Award,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said. “This is a testament to the amazing fans, sponsors, media, and partners we have in our region. It’s also recognition for our terrific staff that works incredibly hard. This is the top award we have in our industry and we’re blessed to receive it.”
More than 413,000 fans visited Parkview Field for TinCaps games in 2016. With more than 6,000 fans per game, the TinCaps set a franchise attendance record. The ballpark outdrew 12 of 30 Triple-A teams, 28 of 30 Double-A teams and ranked second of 100 Single-A and Rookie teams.
Apart from TinCaps games, Parkview Field hosted some 150,000 guests during more than 700 non-TinCaps events.

O’Conner said the TinCaps rose above the rest thanks in large part to the community destination that is Parkview Field.
“Through their tireless efforts in their community and their dedication to making Parkview Field a destination throughout the year, the TinCaps have become a model franchise for Minor League Baseball,” said O’Conner. “This award acknowledges the exceptional job they have done and on behalf of Minor League Baseball, I congratulate the TinCaps on another outstanding season and wish them continued success in the future.”
The TinCaps will officially receive the award Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet in National Harbor, Maryland.