The Grand Junction Rockies have been nominated for Major League Baseball's John H. Johnson President's award, which honors the entire franchise on many levels, including community involvement.

The Grand Junction Rockies were nominated by the league in which they play, the Pioneer league,  based on franchise stability, contributions to league stability, contributions to baseball within the community and promotion of the baseball industry. Members of the team and its mascot, Corky, have appeared on behalf of the Rockies over 100 times and have raised over $100,000 in Grand Junction.

The team, for the second year in a row, took part in the Backpack program, which provided backpacks filled with food to kids during the summer. Without this program, many kids would go hungry on weekends in the summer.

The team also held baseball clinics and provided kids with bats and balls to continue to play. Since their arrival, the Rockies have been deeply involved in the community and have also been home to some of the Rockies current stars.

Players such as Jon Gray, Carlos Estevez, David Dahl, Raimel Tapia and others have gotten their start into major league baseball right here in Mesa County.

As a community, we should be proud to have this team represent this city and its people with such pride and distinction. Here's hoping the Rockies are named this year's recipient of the John H. Johnson President's Award.

More From 95 Rock