Evansville Otters Outfielder Earns Frontier League Citizenship Award

A Bright Spot in a Challenging Otters Season

The Evansville Otters players and staff will be the first to tell you that the 2025 season was disappointing, but their record and the standings don’t tell the whole story.  There were plenty of bright spots, too, including this great news following the team’s final game.

LJ Jones Named 2025 Fran Riordan Citizenship Award Winner

The Otters announced that outfielder LJ Jones is the recipient of the Frontier League’s Fran Riordan Citizenship Award for 2025. This prestigious honor is awarded each season to the player who best demonstrates outstanding citizenship, both on and off the field. LJ Jones was selected by general managers, coaches, and media representatives across the league.

A Fan Favorite On and Off the Field

LJ has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his energy, kindness, and ability to connect with people. Whether he’s at home at Bosse Field or on the road, LJ is known for staying after games to sign autographs, take pictures, and share conversations with fans of all ages. His enthusiasm for the game and genuine interactions have left a lasting impression.

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Even during tough stretches of the season, LJ kept his teammates motivated with humor, positivity, and even dance moves during warmups. Otters Field Manager Andy McCauley says,

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Jones’ influence has extended beyond the field, especially with children in the community. One highlight came when a young fan asked him to hit a home run – Jones obliged, later pointing to the child after rounding the bases with a smile.

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Jones now joins former Otters Tyler Beardsley (2019) and David Griffin (2003) as recipients of the Fran Riordan Citizenship Award, cementing his place in team history as both a standout player and role model.