Brian Colopy Named NWL Executive of the Year, Kalamazoo Voted Top Organization of 2022
Rochester, Minn. – The Northwoods League has announced that Brian Colopy, Owner/GM of the Kalamazoo Growlers, has been named the 2022 Northwoods League Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League’s annual fall meetings last week in Rochester, MN is given annually to the League’s outstanding executive. In another vote, the Kalamazoo Growlers were awarded the Organization of the Year award.
Colopy, the 2020 Northwoods League Executive of the Year, recently finished his 13th year in the NWL, and first as owner of both the Growlers and the Battle Creek Battle Jacks.
Of these awards, Colopy said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our staff, fans and everyone that made our 2022 season one for the record books. They made this season what it was, and we can’t wait to get back to work to make our 2023 season just as memorable.”
During his time in the Northwoods League, Brian has become known for his viral ideas including Coach Drake, pregame Home Run Derbies, The Salute to Selfie Night and the Twinkie Dog.
“Brian is a leader in his field due to his instinctive creativity, vision and execution of Northwoods League games and other events throughout the year,” said Northwoods League President, Ryan Voz.
The Kalamazoo Growlers were honored as the Northwoods League Organization of the Year after a very successful season. The Growlers made the playoffs and made an improbable run which culminated with a championship after beating Wisconsin Rapids and then Duluth on the road. The Growlers ended the season with a 36-35 overall record. Kalamazoo was second in attendance with 80,052 fans over 35 games for a 2,287 average.
“The Growlers had an outstanding year on and off the field and it’s great to see them get recognized by their peers,” said Voz. “”Brian’s vision and the dedication of the Growlers staff puts them in an elite group in the summer collegiate baseball world.”
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 29th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 310 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
