Baltimore Orioles Minor League Recap: Sep 19-24

Norfolk finished their regular season in a high note, especially for Connor Norby. Jackson Holliday is special, and Baseball America recognized his 2023 season. Let's recap before AAA International Championship.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Series at Buffalo Bisons (tied 3-3)
Second half record: 42-33 (90-59 overall)

Game 1: NOR 6-3 BUF
Game 2: NOR 11-8 BUF
Game 3: NOR 6-7 BUF
Game 4: NOR 2-9 BUF
Game 5: NOR 15-10 BUF
Game 6: NOR 6-11 BUF

The best season for Norfolk Tides. A 90-win season for the most wins in Tides history. A 48-win season at home is also their best mark. They could be champions for the first time since 1985. In the final regular season series, Connor Norby finished on a high note: 8-25, 3 Home Runs, 11 RBI, 7 Runs, 1.252 OPS. He also broke the record for an Orioles prospect in hits: 163. A good 'headache' for Elias and Co. about the infielder.

The Championship Series pits them against the Durham Bulls, the Tampa Bay Rays' affiliate. Like MLB AL East, the division rivals will play for the AAA International League. The Bulls won in 2021.

A best-of-three series starts on Tuesday. Bruce Zimmermann is the starting pitcher for Game 1. The only SP confirmed as of writing this post.

Back-to-back

On Monday, Baseball America announced his Player of the Year on minors and the choice was obvious: Jackson Holliday. The #1 prospect in all baseball played across four levels in one season, from Delmarva to Norfolk. This kid is special. He was the second straight Orioles prospect with this honor. Gunnar Henderson (2022) and Matt Wieters (2008) were the others.

Jackson Holliday 2023 stats (AAA/AA/A+/A-)

.323/.442/.499 slash line
12 Home Runs
75 RBI
113 Runs
101 walks
118 strikeouts
24 stolen bases

Will we see him on 2024 Opening Day roster? The Orioles could win back-to-back-to-back BA Minor League Player of the Year Award? Basallo, we looking for you.