The Clearwater Threshers were recognized by the Florida State League, as the club is the circuit’s nomination for Minor League Baseball’s John H. Johnson Award. In addition, GM John Timberlake was named the FSL Chuck Murphy Executive of the Year.

The John H. Johnson President’s Award has been presented annually since 1974 to honor the complete baseball franchise. The award’s criteria are based on financial stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball in the community and promotion of the baseball industry. Minor League Baseball’s top honor will be announced at the Winter Meetings in Orlando from a field of nominees that includes a representative team from each league.

“The Threshers Organization is proud to have been selected by the FSL as their nominee for the John H. Johnson award,” said Timberlake. “It is certainly special to be recognized by the league GMs and field managers for the 2017 season as the complete franchise.”

This marks the second consecutive year – and fifth time overall – that Timberlake was honored as the Executive of the Year after previously receiving the award in 1990, 2005, 2007, and 2016. Timberlake has been with the Philadelphia Phillies organization since 1986 and was inducted into the Florida State League Hall of Fame in 2014. He was named Director of Florida Operations for the Phillies in 1996 and General Manager of the Threshers in 2005.

“I am honored and humbled to be the recipient of the FSL Executive of the Year Award,” said Timberlake. “Although it is awarded to an individual, it is a testimony to the diligence, creativity and hard work of the entire Threshers staff. I am convinced that our front office staff is one of the best in Minor League Baseball. I couldn’t be prouder of them and I share this honor with each and every one of them.”

The Threshers set the club attendance record in 2017 with 200,201 over 67 openings, the mark also taking the second-overall spot on the FSL all-time attendance list.