FREITAS AWARD: TRIPLE-A SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS

Key initiatives and facility upgrades make Sacramento a top minor league attraction and also a natural fit as the Athletics’ home in 2025

- MIKE ASHMORE

Even as rumors eventually became reality, there was still nothing more important to the Sacramento River Cats than delivering on a highly-anticipated 25th anniversary season.

Did they ever.

The Triple-A affiliate of the Giants—and soon to be temporary host to the Athletics for the next three seasons at Sutter Health Park—earned the Freitas Award this season not only for their grace and execution under difficult circumstances in 2024, but for a banner year for the organization in which they saw significant growth in key categories.

“Our overall success is attributed to our cohesive front office that is motivated toward the same goal of providing a clean, safe, fun and family-friendly environment where the greater Sacramento region can come together to enjoy America’s pastime,” said Sarah Hebel, River Cats director of marketing.