Following the team's first 30 win season in nearly two decades and the completion of major renovations to Hooker Field, the Martinsville Mustangs were awarded the Coastal Plain League's inaugural Commissioner's Award for Excellence. The CPL announced this week the creation of the end-of-year award, saying in an online statement "This special honor was created to recognize key contributions by a club, individual, or concept that has helped spur a positive impact at either the team or league level, or both." CPL officials said in a release the Mustangs organization was chosen because of transformations made over the last year.
In its 20 season in the CPL, the Mustangs came within a game of reaching the playoffs for the first time. Under head coach Brandon Nania, Martinsville won a franchise-record 30 games and finished with the second-best record in the league. People are also reading.
.. The team's latest success comes under the leadership of Next P.
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Athletics LLC and the team of Jason and Tonya Davis, and Joe and April Haynes, who took over leadership of the team in 2022. “Our commitment to the Martinsville Mustangs organization is strong,” President Jason Davis said in the CPL's release. “This commitment also resonates throughout the community as well as our continued support to youth baseball.
We will continue with our revitalization efforts at Hooker Field and provide a product that the community can be proud of.” Alongside Mustangs' general manager Connor Akeman, the front office was able to build a partnership with the City of Martinsville and the Harvest Foundation, both of which helped with a nearly $3 million renovation project to Hooker Field that was completed just before the start of the 2024 season. The renovations included a two-story press box, luxury suites, office space, a concession stand, and bathrooms, as well as covered seating behind home plate.
The team also made improvements to the quality of streamed home games, which CPL officials called "one of the best in the league." "All were welcomed additions for fans and elevated the game day experience," the CPL release read. "And the new front office space at the stadium has helped streamline team operations and foster a more efficient and effective management environment.
This year, the Mustangs also joined the City of Martinsville in renaming the facility "Hooker Field at Lou Whitaker Park," in honor of Martinsville High School graduate Lou Whitaker, a Major League Baseball all-star and World Series champion with the Detroit Tigers. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | Omny Studio "Other strides were made to help with the overall growth of the sport," the CPL added about the team. "They joined with The Community Fellowship to send baseball equipment and uniforms to Cuba, and continued their partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, ensuring all children could attend Martinsville home games at no charge.
In 2024 alone, the organization welcomed 2,476 kids to the ballpark, helping create unforgettable memories for the children and their families." In addition to the CPL award, Mustangs play-by-play announcer Riley Trapp was named the league's Broadcaster of the Year. The Mustangs also increased sponsorship for the second straight season.
The CPL said the team's overall attendance for the 2024 season reached its highest total since 2016 with three sellouts and an average of 1,151 fans per home game. “Martinsville’s transformation is a true testament to the power of dedication and community spirit,” CPL Commissioner Chip Allen said in the league's release. “The remarkable turnaround of the Mustangs, driven by the passion and commitment of their leadership, has not only revitalized the team but also set a new standard for excellence in the Coastal Plain League.
The Martinsville Mustangs have earned this recognition through their unwavering pursuit of growth, both on and off the field, and we’re proud to honor them with the inaugural Commissioner’s Award for Excellence." "A renewed enthusiasm and support for the team was recognized more and more by visiting teams this season, as both coaches and players alike complimented Martinsville on its growth, commitment to improvement, and overall professionalism," the release added. "And the energy that followed the community benefited the home squad as well.
" Jason Davis said the team is "deeply honored" to be given the league's award. "This recognition reflects the dedication and passion that define the Martinsville Mustangs organization," he added. "As we look forward to the future, we are excited about our ongoing growth.
.. These enhancements at Hooker Field at Lou Whitaker Park will elevate the fan experience and further our commitment to this community.
“We are truly a family from our coaches Brandon Nania, Hunter Steel, Mason Gary, our talented players, game day staff, advisory board and our front office...
This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Coastal Plain League, the City of Martinsville, and look forward to continuing our success and baseball journey with the CPL and its member clubs.” CPL officials said the Mustangs growth not only benefits the team and city, but the league as a whole.
"A franchise that was clinging to life support not too long ago has quickly undergone its own renaissance period that reached new heights in 2024, and has the organization as a whole on the road toward more success and growth in the future," the CPL release concluded. PHOTOS: Martinsville Mustangs win season finale Michael A. Paris Michael A.
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Paris Michael A. Paris Martinsville Mustangs President Jason Davis (right) poses with a player at the team's season finale last month. Davis and the rest of the organization were awarded the first Coastal Plain League Commissioner's Award for Excellence following what the league called a transformational season this summer.
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