Royals create Matt Minker Award

The Kansas City Royals on Friday announced the creation of an annual "Matt Minker Award" for a Minor League employee who most exemplifies the qualities the former Wilmington Blue Rocks team president and managing partner was known for.

The award will be presented for the first time at the end of the 2008 season.

The Royals will solicit minor league managers, minor league roving coaches and front office staff to nominate one employee from each of Kansas City's six affiliates: Triple-A Omaha; Double-A Northwest Arkansas; High-A Wilmington; Low-A Burlington; Rookie Idaho Falls; and Rookie Burlington. The winner will be invited to Kansas City to accept the award.

"Matt had a tremendous impact on the Kansas City Royals players and staff throughout our time in Wilmington," said Royals director of player development J.J. Picollo. "Through Matt's work, Wilmington has become one of the best minor league venues in all of professional baseball, and we felt it was fitting to create this award in his honor."

Minker passed away on November 11, 2007 after a five-year battle with cancer. His construction company literally built the home of the Blue Rocks, Frawley Stadium, in less than five months in time for the team's first game on April 17, 1993.

"Matt loved the Kansas City Royals organization," said Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple. "This award truly honors Matt, his family and the Wilmington Blue Rocks."

The Blue Rocks kick off their 2008 season on April 4 at 7:05 p.m. when they take on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Atlanta Braves) at Frawley Stadium. Reserve your tickets today by calling 302-888-BLUE (2583). For complete information on the 2008 schedule and latest information on tickets, group outings and the 2008 promotional schedule visit the Blue Rocks website at www.bluerocks.com or call 302-888-2015.