Baltimore Orioles: Monday Brought More Awards For The MiLB System.

The Baltimore Orioles had one of their minor league pitchers honored as the Carolina League’s Pitcher of the Week on Monday.  Following that announcement it was learned that three more members of the organization received awards as well.

On Monday, the Carolina League announced that Frederick Keys pitcher, and the 11th ranked prospect of the Baltimore Orioles, Brenan Hanifee had been named the Pitcher of the Week for the week ending on July 14th.  The award was mainly a result of his complete game shutout of the Salem Red Sox on Sunday.

Following that announcement, three more awards for members of the Baltimore Orioles minor league system were revealed.

Norfolk Tides (AAA) utility man Jace Peterson was named the International League’s Batter of the Week for the week ending July 14th.  In the four games following the IL All-Star break, Peterson slashed .615/ .722/ 1.462/ 2.184 with four runs scored, two doubles, three home runs, six RBI and five walks.  He hit safely in all four games and three of those were multi-hit games.  Peterson is currently the Tides leader in games played, runs scored, doubles triples and walks.  He certainly is making the Mike Elias regime take notice that he is ready and available if needed in Baltimore, should the trade deadline see a few infielders depart.

Delmarva Shorebirds pitcher Ryan Wilson was named the South Atlantic League’s Pitcher of the Week for the week ending July 14th.

All Wilson, who was featured here as a player to watch, did was pitch a 7.0 inning shutout against the West Virginia Power (Seattle affiliate) on July 9th.  In that game, won by the Shorebirds by a score of 9-0, Wilson scattered two hits while striking out 11; he needed 100 pitches (68 strikes) to dispatch of 24 West Virginia batters.  Both the innings pitched and the strikeout total were career highs for the 22-year-old southpaw.

The final award, which is a bit outside the box, went to Norfolk groundskeeper Kenny Magner who received the Spirit of the International League award.  Working for the Tides since 1978, Magner was recognized for the essential role he plays in the fan experience.  The award was created in 2010 and this is the first time a member of the Tides has received it.

Congratulations are in order for all these deserving Baltimore Orioles prospects and employees.  Performances such as these provide hope for now and for the future.