Prospect League Announces 2024 Organization Awards

MAHOMET, Ill. - The Prospect League proudly announces the 2024 Organization Awards to recognize the best of the Prospect League off the playing field during the 2024 season.

The Organization Awards, founded last season, recognize Prospect League organizations for their hard work as seen by their peers. This year's awards grant one vote to each Prospect League organization for seven awards: General Manager of the Year, Social Media of the Year, Director of the Year, Broadcaster of the Year, Staff of the Year, Stadium Experience of the Year, and Organization of the Year.

Awards were announced individually throughout the week and concluded with the announcement of the 2024 Organization of the Year.

General Manager of the Year

General Manager of the Year is awarded to a team executive with a high impact on their team and community during the 2024 season.

This year's recipient is Chillicothe Paints President Bryan Wickline.

Wickline, who has been with the Paints since 1994, oversaw the Paints reach 50k in total attendance for the tenth straight season with over 51k fans in 2024.

Social Media of the Year

Social Media of the Year is awarded to the organization with the best social media presence including videography and photography during the 2024 season.

This year's recipient is the Dubois County Bombers.

The Bombers, in their first season in the Prospect League since 2012, provided stellar coverage on social media through exceptional photo and video use along with fun and engaging content for fans of all ages.

Director of the Year

Director of the Year is awarded to the member of the Prospect League Board of Directors who had the highest impact on the league before and during the 2024 season.

This year's recipient is O'Fallon Hoots General Manager & Director David Schmoll.

Schmoll has been a leading charge in the Prospect League Board of Directors over the last year currently serving as League Secretary & Chair of the Scheduling Committee.

Broadcaster of the Year

Broadcaster of the Year is awarded to the broadcaster with the highest overall performance on Prospect League TV and their team's radio broadcasts during the 2024 season.

This year's recipient is Chillicothe Paints Play-By-Play Jacob Wise.

Wise just completed his 9th season in the Paints' booth calling games on PLTV and Hank FM 100.9 WXIZ. This is the second straight season Wise has been awarded this honor. 

Staff of the Year

Staff of the Year is awarded to the organization with the highest quality staff; including front office, gameday, and interns; during the 2024 season. 

This year's recipient is the Cape Catfish.

The Catfish improved in overall attendance for the second straight season and provided a world-class gameday experience led by their 2024 staff.

Stadium Experience of the Year

Stadium Experience of the Year is awarded to the organization that produced the highest quality experience at their ballpark during the 2024 season.

This year's recipient is Mtn Dew Park home of the Thrillville Thrillbillies.

The Thrillbillies broke the Prospect League single-season attendance record with over 90k fans enjoying theme nights such as Kids Run the Ballpark Night, Mascot Mania, and Christmas in July during the 2024 season. 

Organization of the Year

Organization of the Year is awarded to the organization that stood above the rest as high quality in every aspect in 2024.

This year's recipient is the O'Fallon Hoots.

The Hoots joined the Prospect League in 2018 and moved to O'Fallon in 2020. They have improved in overall attendance every year since 2021 including a new record of over 28.5k this season. 

ABOUT THE PROSPECT LEAGUE
The Prospect League is a premier Midwestern wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league with 18 teams across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. The League provides college players with a professional setting with excellent competition and high-quality facilities while delivering exciting baseball action and affordable all-ages entertainment to its communities. In 2023, the League achieved a new attendance record and led all collegiate summer baseball in growth. Known as the Central Illinois Collegiate League from 1963-2008, the Prospect League has more than 60 years of proud tradition as one of the original and most recognizable summer leagues. The League's rich history includes Hall of Famers, NCAA and World Series Champions, nearly 200 alumni in Major League Baseball, and more than 800 professional players. For more information visit www.prospectleague.com and follow on social media @prospectleague.

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