Keys' Julius wins Minker Award

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Jacob Julius of the Frederick Keys has been named the 2010 winner of the Matt Minker Community Service Award. Each Carolina League club was eligible to nominate one player for consideration.

Julius spent over 50 hours at various community events in the Frederick area this season, including camps, visits to underprivileged and challenged youth, and promotional signings.

Selected by the Orioles organization in the 33rd round of the 2007 June draft out of the University of Arkansas, the Indiana native is in his fourth pro season. A left-handed hitter who plays first base and the outfield, Julius is currently batting .285 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI.

Named in honor of the late Blue Rocks team president, the Minker award is bestowed upon the league player who does the best job of serving his club's community during each season. Minker passed away November 2007 after a five-year battle with cancer. He was 60.

Minker was involved in the ownership of the Blue Rocks since the franchise came to Wilmington in 1993. His construction company built Frawley Stadium in five months. He became president of the club in 1995. During his 13 years representing Wilmington on the CL's Board of Directors, he served the league as an officer, a member of the executive committee and as league representative on the Minor League Baseball Board of Trustees.