ROYALS ANNOUNCE 2010 AWARDS NIGHT RECIPIENTS
During the event, the Royals will recognize 13 honorees for their contributions both on and off the field in 2009. Former Royals greats such as George Brett, Frank White, Willie Wilson and Paul Splittorff will be among the presenters in attendance.
Previously, the club announced the following award recipients as voted on by the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). A.L. Cy Young winner and Blue Rocks alumnus Zack Greinke (2002, 03) was a unanimous selection for the 2009 Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year and Billy Butler was also unanimous as the 2009 Les Milgram Player of the Year. Infielder Alberto Callaspo was named the 2009 Joe Burke Special Achievement Award winner.
The remaining award recipients to be recognized at the event include:
Clint Robinson (2009), recipient of the Mike Sweeney Award - recognizing a player who best represents the organization on and off the field. A 24-year-old first baseman, the Royals' 25th-round pick in 2007 finished runner-up for the Carolina League batting title in 2009, batting .298. Off the field, Robinson logged over 36 hours to Wilmington-area schools, camps and hospitals. The Blue Rocks' nominee for the Carolina League's Matt Minker Award, Robinson made himself available for each and every community appearance.
Jarrod Dyson (2008), recipient of the Willie Wilson Base Runner of the Year - recognizing the organization's top base runner. Dyson, 25, stole a combined 46 bases in 56 attempts for Burlington (A) and Northwest Arkansas (AA) in 2009. The Royals' 50th-round selection from the 2006 Draft swiped two more bases and hit .310 for the Surprise Rafters in the Arizona Fall League and was added to KC's Major League 40-man roster in November.
Mike Montgomery (2009), recipient of the Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year - recognizing the organization's top pitcher. The Royals sandwich selection (36th overall) in 2008, the 20-year old posted a 2-3 record with a sparkling 2.17 ERA in 12 starts for Burlington (A) last season before his promotion to Wilmington. The 6-foot-5 lefty continued his success for the Blue Rocks, compiling a 4-1 mark with a 2.25 ERA in nine starts.
David Lough (2009), recipient of the George Brett Hitter of the Year - recognizing the organization's top hitter. The 23-year old outfielder had a breakout season in 2009, combining for a .325 average with 28 doubles, four triples, 14 home runs, 61 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in stops at Wilmington and Northwest Arkansas. The left-handed hitter and thrower was the Royals' 11th-round selection in 2007.
For more information on the event or the award recipients, members of the media may contact the Royals Publicity Department at (816) 921-8000.
The Blue Rocks will open play in 2010 on April 8 in Myrtle Beach, SC against the Pelicans (Atlanta Braves). The home opener comes on April 16 with the first of a record 15 fireworks shows at Frawley Stadium this season as the Blue Crew hosts the Potomac Nationals (Washington Nationals). Every Friday in 2010 will have post-game fireworks at Frawley.
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