Nuts Named Cal League Organization of the Year
The Modesto Nuts set a franchise attendance record for the 4th consecutive season as 180,344 fans passed through the turnstile at John Thurman Field during the 2010 regular season. The impressive feat was accomplished in only 67 openings as the Nuts lost three games due to inclement weather in April. The Nuts average attendance of 2,692 was an 11% increase from the 2009 season, which placed the Nuts in the top-ten year-to-year attendance increases in all of Minor League Baseball.
"The entire organization is very proud to be named the California League's Organization of the Year," said Nuts Vice President and General Manager Mike Gorrasi. "We have an extremely talented front office staff that is committed to providing the best fan experience imaginable and we are grateful for the wonderful support of the Modesto community."
The record-breaking season was highlighted by a franchise-high 11 sellouts. The season began with a sellout crowd of 4,427 on Opening Night and concluded with back-to-back sellouts on Fan Appreciation weekend in early September.
In addition to the Organization of the Year designation, Gorrasi was named the California League's Executive of the Year. Gorrasi has completed his 10th season in Modesto. He joined the Modesto staff following the 2000 season and was named general manager in January 2004. He assumed his current title prior to the 2008 season.
"It's a great honor to be selected Executive of the Year by the California League's owners and general managers," said Gorrasi. "I share this award with our great ownership group and an outstanding front office staff."
The Modesto Nuts 2011 season begins on Thursday, April 7th when the Nuts host the rival Stockton Ports. The highlight of the 2011 season is the All-Star Smash, presented by Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel, hosted by the Nuts on Tuesday, June 21st. The All-Star Smash will feature the best of the California League against the best of the Carolina League. This will be the first time Modesto has hosted the event. Season ticket packages, which include a reserved seat to the All-Star Smash, are currently on-sale by calling the Modesto Nuts front office at (209) 572-HITS (4487).