Three members of the Florence Freedom staff and team were recognized by the Frontier League for their outstanding performance during the 2018 season.
Team president and owner Kim Brown, trainer Tim Murray, and catcher Skyler Ewing were voted on by their peers as tops at their respective positions.
Brown won the Bob Wolfe Executive of the Year award after leading the club to its most successful financial season in team history, including an increase of 12 percent in attendance from 2017 to 2018 (2,084 per game in 2017, 2,355 per game in 2018).
“I am honored to be the recipient of the Frontier League Executive of the Year Award,” Brown said. “I could not have completed this year without the efforts of our front office staff. They have worked hard to make this year one of our best. Everyone from the front office, our coaching staff, players and game day staff made this year funtastic.”
The Executive of the Year Award announcement of Brown being chosen was especially exciting and gratifying for her staff.
“She’s the reason this team is still here and moving in a very positive direction,” Freedom VP/GM Josh Anderson said. “When the tragedy in January hit her family and this club, Kim very well could have mailed things in and closed the doors. Instead she did the opposite, and that’s a testament to her love, commitment and compassion to this club, her late husband and our fans.”
In January, the Freedom unexpectedly lost then owner Clint Brown, Kim’s husband, when he passed away suddenly while on a golfing trip in Arizona.
Clint and Kim purchased the team in 2005 out of bankruptcy, and since have lifted the club to new heights, including being named twice as the Organization of the Year (2005 and 2016). The Freedom have also been awarded two all-star games by the league (2007 and 2016), and have seen three staff members win the Executive of the Award (Kari Rumfield – 2009, Josh Anderson -2015, Kim Brown – 2018).
Murray
Murray took home the Athletic Trainer of the Year award. The Novacare employee and head trainer of the Freedom is in his first full season with the club after serving on a fill-in basis in 2017.
“It’s an honor to be voted as athletic trainer of the year,” Murray said. “I take a lot of pride trying to keep guys healthy and on the field. You never expect an award like this, but I’m honored and humbled to be recognized by my peers in the league.”
Ewing was recognized as the league’s top catcher. The Arlington, Texas native didn’t sign with the Freedom until June 19, more than a month into the season. That didn’t slow the Freedom catcher down. As of Thursday, August 30, Ewing is batting .306 with 15 HRs and 51 RBI in just 57 games.
Ewing
“We’re excited for Skyler and what’s he’s done for our club since joining us,” Freedom Field Manager Dennis Pelfrey said. “It’s not only his leadership on the field, but also in the clubhouse and the things he brings to this team.”
The Florence Freedom are members of the Independent Frontier League and play all home games at UC Health Stadium located at 7950 Freedom Way in Florence, KY. The Freedom can be found online at florencefreedom.com, or by phone at (859) 594-4487.
Florence Freedom
