The Hartford Yard Goats have been named the 2024 Organization of the Year by Minor League Baseball. The announcement was made Tuesday at the Minor League Baseball Business Summit in Charlotte, N.C.
The Yard Goats were chosen as the top minor league organization among the 120 across Triple-A, Double-A, High-A and Single-A baseball. Nominees from each league were selected by their peers.
Hartford saw a new franchise-record 417,054 fans attend games at Dunkin' Park in 2024, including 39 sellouts. The franchise has attracted over 400,000 fans for three straight years.
"We are absolutely honored to receive this prestigious award from Minor League Baseball," Yard Goats President Tim Restall said in a statement. "This speaks volumes about our loyal fans, partners and employees. Our goal has always been to be more than just a baseball team, and have a positive impact in the Hartford community."
The Yard Goats were recognized for operating a fun family atmosphere at the games, as well as providing community programs for Hartford kids. The team was singled out for its promotions such as 'Giveaway Tuesdays', 'Saturday Fireworks', and 'Kids Run the Bases' on Sundays.
The Yard Goats also changed their identity and played games as the Bouncing Pickles, Steamed Cheeseburgers, Hartford Schoolboys, and Los Chivos de Hartford. Community Programs included after-school programs, a culinary program, theater program, drum team and the Yard Goats Kindness Awards.
The organization also held its seventh-annual "Whalers Alumni Weekend" in July, paying tribute to the former NHL franchise, and included a hospital visit, luncheon, on-field batting practice, and autograph session. The Yard Goats hosted a celebration of Negro League Baseball in June and played as the "Hartford Schoolboys," honoring Johnny "Schoolboy" Taylor, who was the first black athlete to play professional baseball in Hartford. Pedro Sierra, who played for the Indianapolis Clowns and Detroit Stars of the Negro Leagues, was part of the festivities and threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The Yard Goats honored Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente in August and his son threw out the first pitch. Fans were given a Roberto Clemente knit hat as they entered the ballpark.
Some of the outside events the Yard Goats hosted at Dunkin' Park included GOAT Brew Fest, Connecticut's Largest Halloween Trick or Treat, Fan Fest, Back-to-school for Hartford youths, Haircuts for Homeless, One of Connecticut's largest blood drives, Footwear with Care for Homeless, and the Black Business Expos.
The Yard Goats open the 2025 season on Friday, April 4th at Dunkin' Park against the New York Yankees affiliate, the Somerset Patriots. Season tickets are now on sale on the team website, yardgoatsbaseball.com.