ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville Tourists President Brian DeWine has been named Minor League Baseball’s 2026 Executive of the Year, following a season that brought record attendance and a new chapter for the team’s longtime home.

Minor League Baseball announced the honor Wednesday, Oct. 14, recognizing DeWine’s leadership through a $40 million renovation of historic McCormick Field, now known as HomeTrust Park.

The project stretched across two offseasons and the 2025 season, with work interrupted by Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024.

Despite those challenges, the Tourists drew 192,472 fans in 2026, the highest single-season attendance in Asheville’s 102-year professional baseball history, according to Minor League Baseball. That was an 18% increase over 2025.

DeWine has led the Asheville franchise since 2010.

The renovations brought significant changes to the ballpark while preserving its place in Asheville baseball history. The team also expanded its promotions, including more fireworks shows, dollar hot dog nights and free admission for children younger than 5.

The Tourists celebrated DeWine’s recognition in a Facebook post Thursday, Oct. 15, calling the award a reflection of five years of work to improve the ballpark.

“While this award recognizes Brian, it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire Tourists staff,” the team said.

DeWine also credited the people around him for helping bring the project across the finish line.

“This award has really been five years in the making as we put everything we had into the 2026 season and to get the renovation done and keep baseball in Asheville. It’s exciting,” DeWine said in Minor League Baseball’s announcement.

He thanked his wife, Kali, who serves as the team’s merchandise manager, and general manager Larry Hawkins for their work on the project.

DeWine said Hawkins spent much of last winter at the ballpark as construction continued, even when the building had no electricity or heat.

The Tourists are the High-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. DeWine received the overall Executive of the Year honor after being selected as the High-A classification winner.

Minor League Baseball’s annual industry awards recognize outstanding organizations and individuals across the minor leagues. Nominees from each league are selected by their peers for consideration for the overall awards.