Adam Wilk named 2011 Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers' Helping Hen of the Year!

(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Mud Hens announced today that pitcher Adam Wilk has been named the Helping Hens 2011 Breitling Player of the Year, presented by Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers

It is the 4th annual award given to the Mud Hen player that goes above and beyond in the field of community service in the region.

The criteria for the award was broken down in the following categories:

· Internal Community Relations, ex: participation in youth baseball camps. · External Community Relations, ex: hospital visits. · On-Field performance, ex: wins, strikeouts, ERA, etc. · Off-Field performance, ex: effort at practice, extra time put in at the field, etc.

Adam Wilk is completing his first season with the Toledo Mud Hens and his third professional season after being selected in the 11th round of the 2009 draft by the Detroit Tigers. The 23-year-old native of Anaheim, CA has worked at all of the Youth Baseball Camps while he was a member of the Mud Hens, including the Gene Cook Camp in 2011. The Gene Cook camp is named for the long-time Toledo General Manager and is intended to provide underprivileged youth with an opportunity to learn baseball skills from players and attend a Mud Hens game. He participated in two Drug Education Programs for underprivileged youth groups, which focus on youth drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention along with making the right choices. He has also traveled to several player appearances, including a trip to East Broadway Middle School and Toledo Children's Hospital. Adam also provided moral support to fans giving blood at the Mud Hens/American Red Cross blood drive this summer. He has also given his time to meet with foster kids from Lucas County Children's Services, caught dozens of ceremonial first pitches and even donated some of his own baseball equipment to needy kids in the area. On the field, Wilk has an 8-5 record this year with a 3.15 ERA.

The Mud Hens would also like to recognize the runner-ups for the award, pitchers Thad Weber and Brendan Wise for their dedication to the Toledo community during their time in Toledo

Wilk was presented with a Breitling Superocean watch courtesy of Jeffrey Mann Fine Jewelers to recognize his outstanding efforts as this year's Player of the Year.

Congratulations to Adam!