Ballpark Digest has named the Pensacola Blue Wahoos as their Organization of the Year. The honor is part of the publication’s 4th annual awards that credit noteworthy accomplishments in the baseball world, including Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Independent Baseball, Summer-Collegiate Baseball and College Baseball.
August Publications, Ballpark Digest’s publisher based in Middleton, WI, was formed in 2002 with the launch of Ballpark Digest. Since that time the company has grown from a single employee working out of a home to a diversified publishing firm featuring websites, books and merchandise. In addition to Ballpark Digest, August Publications’ prominent portfolio also includes SpringTrainingOnline.com, ArenaDigest.com and YellowstoneInsider.com.
Ballpark Digest, found at ballparkdigest.com, is the leading website covering the culture and business of baseball. Celebrating 10 years as a leading publication in the sports industry, The New York Times called Ballpark Digest an “indispensable†guide to baseball and ballparks. The publication’s content has been used as a source by prestigious outlets that range from The Wall Street Journal to Epicurious.com. Now in its fourth year, the annual season awards for the well-regarded publication have become a highly coveted honor within the baseball community.
The annual award process begins with Ballpark Digest readers submitting nominations for awards in specific categories. Last year the reader submissions totaled over 300 pages of documentation. Ballpark Digest editors then review the submissions and determine the deserving winners. The awards cover both individual and team accomplishments. A complete listing of the Ballpark Digest Awards can be found at www.ballparkdigest.com/awards.
According to Ballpark Digest, the Organization of the Year honor is attributed to the team’s astonishing first-season success.
“Leading the Southern League in attendance in the first year of operation is quite the accomplishment,†said Kevin Reichard, publisher of Ballpark Digest. “It’s a tribute to the strong operation put together by the Studers. Put together some experienced folks like Bruce Baldwin and Jonathan Griffith, add in a great ballpark and you have the making for success. Building a first-rate operation basically from scratch is an accomplishment worth noting.â€